"Doubtless. Then, sir, you are aware that I have been wantonly and grossly insulted by a man for whom I have no respect; that in the presence of the entire class, I was forced to listen to language, which, uttered by one man to another, would be met by prompt chastisement; you are furthermore advised of the _fact_ that he, whose duty it is to protect those whom he instructs, instead of compelling the creature to apologize upon his knees, 'postponed inquiry until to-morrow.'" "And very properly, too." "Unquestionably, sir!" with the sarcastic smile which accompanied her former assent. "My object in seeking this interview, is to request your attendance upon that occasion. I shall not be present." "And why not?" "Because, sir, I will not be confronted with that odious reptile, and give my testimony in his hearing. Judging from the past, and the knowledge of mankind I have acquired under your tuition, nothing that I can say will avail to secure me justice. Mr. Purcell cannot obtain a better teacher, and it is as politic in Alboni to remain. There will be an amicable settlement; and my word will be a knot in the chain of satisfactory evidence they will elicit. The young ladies will, of course, side with 'the gentlemen.'" "But why am I to be there?--to receive Alboni's apology?" "I want none, sir--I will hear none. I have been called a _liar_! his pitiful life could not expiate the offence!" "You are savage, young lady! you wish, perhaps, that I should pistol him." "I thank you, sir, for recalling by your ridicule, the remembrance that this is a business interview. What I ask is this:--that you announce to Signor Alboni the termination of my studies with him, and pay his bill." "Do you know, that although it is only the second week of the session, you will be charged for the term?" "I do, sir." "What if I refuse to discharge the debt?" "I shall liquidate it with the money intended for my personal expenses." "And if I forbid this, and command you to continue your lessons?" "I shall refuse obedience to a demand you have not the right to make." "Miss Ross! do you know to whom you are speaking?" "I address Mr. Read." "And your guardian, young lady!" "The guardian of my property, sir." "You are under no obligations to me, I suppose." "None that I am conscious of. You are paid for your services and my board." "There are cares for which money can offer no adequate compensation." "Indeed, sir! I thought gold a cure for every ill; a reward for every toil. But we are digressing. You will do as I wish?"