Oh, by no means, replied the other in the same taunting tone; you afforded me an opportunity of admiring you in the amiable attitude of succouring a distressed and fainting damsel--besides, give me leave to observe, that such a heavy load of music without a little dancing between whiles would have been absolutely insupportable, and I felt myself unspeakably obliged to you for the relief, which your elegant performance so seasonably afforded; and if my respect for the ladies present had not bound me to silence, I should have requested you to have repeated that delightful rigadoon with Miss Nancy Ap Rees for my particular entertainment. There are no ladies here present, cried the gallant youth, stepping up to him; so, if you are in the same humour still, your respect need not stop you: but let me remind you, Mr. Owen, that it is no mark of courage to insult me under the sanction of a roof, where the laws of hospitality forbid me to resent it. Take your opportunity of playing off your spiteful jests upon me in any other place, and you shall find me, though your inferior in the art of ridicule, at least your equal in the spirit of a gentleman. I know you can throw dirt and bespatter very ingeniously, and enjoy the mischief as a joke, without remorse for the pain and injury it inflicts. At this moment Edward Wilson entered the room, and from the last words, which he had heard, and the angry countenance of his pupil, guessing what had passed--John De Lancaster, he cried, recollect yourself! Aye, sir, resumed the demy-Spaniard, now more pale and sallow with his rage, teach your schoolboy better manners, and warn him how he carries himself so unbecomingly towards one, who is every way his superior. Tell me first, said Wilson, in what my pupil has offended you; and as you are his superior in age, avail yourself of that advantage by stating your dispute calmly and dispassionately, and let me fairly judge between you. No, sir, replied the haughty youth, I shall state nothing, nor let any man be judge over me; least of all a gentleman in your predicament, Mr. Wilson, whose judgment I can pretty well guess at. Let your angry boy make up his story as he likes, and you may believe it, or not, as you like. I care not. Into this house I will never enter more with my good will. In that respect, said Wilson, you must do as you see fit; but command yourself at present, and that you may not disturb the harmony of the night, let me recommend it to you to join the company. And if I do, sir, resumed the insolent, give me leave to tell you that wherever and whenever I sit down at table with any one, that bears the name of De Lancaster, I shall consider myself as in company with my inferior. Hold! You forget yourself, cried the reverend Mr. Wilson; you are much too lofty; and if you do not speedily correct that pride yourself, somebody will be found to do it for you.