"_What_ things?" demanded Longcluse quickly, with a sudden energy that called a flush to his temples; and fire gleamed for a moment from his deep-set, gloomy eyes. "What things? Why, young ladies are not always the most intelligible problems on earth. I think you ought to know that; and really I do think, in such matters, it is far better that they should be left to themselves as much as possible; and I think, besides, that there are some difficulties that did not strike us. I mean, that I now see that there really are great difficulties--insuperable difficulties." "Can you define them?" said Longcluse coldly. "I don't want to vex you, Longcluse, and I don't want to quarrel." "That's extremely kind of you." "I don't know whether you are serious, but it is quite true. I don't wish any unpleasantness between us. I don't think I need say more than that; having thought it over, I don't see how it could ever be." "Will you give me your reasons?" "I really don't see that I can add anything in particular to what I have said." "I think, Mr. Arden, considering all that has passed between us on this subject, that you are _bound_ to let me know your reasons for so marked a change of opinion." "I can't agree with you, Mr. Longcluse. I don't see in the least why I need tell you my particular reasons for the opinion I have expressed. My sister can act for herself, and I certainly shall not account to you for my reasons or opinions in the matter." Mr. Longcluse's pale face grew whiter, and his brows knit, as he fixed a momentary stare on the young man; but he mastered his anger, and said in a cold tone-- "We disagree totally upon that point, and I rather think the time will come when you _must_ explain." "I have no more to say upon the subject, Sir, except this," said Arden, very tartly, "that it is certain your hopes can never lead to anything, and that I object to your continuing your visits at Mortlake." "Why, the house does not belong to you--it belongs to Sir Reginald Arden, who objects to your visits and receives mine. Your ideas seem a little confused," and he laughed gently and coldly. "Very much the reverse, Sir. I object to my sister being exposed to the least chance of annoyance from your visits. I protest against it, and you will be so good as to understand that I distinctly forbid them." "The young lady's father, I presume, will hardly ask your advice in the matter, and _I_ certainly shall not ask your leave. I shall call when I please, so long as I am received at Mortlake, and shall direct my own conduct, without troubling you for counsel in my affairs." Mr. Longcluse laughed again icily. "And so shall I, mine," said Arden sharply. "You have no right to treat anyone so," said Longcluse angrily--"as if one had broken his honour, or committed a crime." "A crime!" repeated Richard Arden. "Oh! _That_, indeed, would pretty well end all relations."