Colman Killigrew betrayed no emotion whatever, but the sons made a movement expressive of scorn and derision. Polperro saw this, and the colour began to mount to his cheeks. I could see, too, that he had difficulty in refraining from angry words; but he mastered himself. "I have reason to believe that my sentiments are not unrequited." Still Colman Killigrew was silent. "You know that a messenger was sent to you. He bore a letter containing an offer of marriage. This you received and read." The old man nodded. "This you received and read," repeated John Polperro, "but I cannot think you fairly understood the purport of the letter, otherwise you would have sent back a different answer." "The answer was plain." "But curt and uncivil. It was not such an answer as one gentleman may send to another." "I said that eagles mate not with hawks." "That is why I cannot think you understood. My family is at least as old as your own." "On the father's side, perchance--but on the mother's?--Bah! we will not speak of it." Young John Polperro's hand played nervously with the hilt of his sword; but still he kept his temper under control. "I am come with my father's consent and approval," he continued; "I am come in person to offer my name and fortune--a name as good as your own, a fortune more than equal to that of the Killigrews." "I give you the same answer that I gave to your messenger," was the response. John Polperro still kept outwardly cool. "Then I have another proposition to make," he continued, but this time his voice took a loftier tone. "I am here to offer Mistress Nancy Molesworth the protection of my father's house. I am here to offer her safety and honour!" The old man started to his feet. He had been pricked on the quick at last. "What mean you, sir?" he cried. "It is well known that ever since she came from the convent, she has been afraid to live here!" cried Polperro. "That your sons pay her attention which she hates; that she loathes the thought of living where modesty, virtue, and honour are all outraged!" I think he was sorry he had uttered these words as soon as they had passed his lips. All the Killigrews looked as though they would have liked to have struck him dead. On my part, however, I had a feeling of admiration. Courage is always good, even although it be shown at the wrong time. Nothing was said or done, however. They remembered that the man stood in their own house. "The maid has had but one occasion to speak of her woes to any one," continued Polperro. "You allowed her to visit Mistress Arundell, where she met with a friend she had known at the convent school. There, as you know, it was my good fortune to meet her."