Wheeling round upon his heel, he went out, banging the door after him. For a moment there was silence: St. John, his hold still on Adeline, remained at the far end of the room; Signor de Castella, half paralyzed with the scandal, was near the billiard-table; the rest were in a group by the crimson ottoman, Agnes de Beaufoy crossing herself perpetually, Madame de Castella the very image of dismay. "Mademoiselle," spoke the Signor to his daughter, who was sobbing aloud in her terror and agitation, "do you dare to disobey me? I told you to go to your mother." "_She_ does not disobey you, sir, and never would do so willingly," returned Mr. St. John. "The fault was mine." He released his hold on Adeline as he spoke, took her hand with almost ceremonious politeness, and conducted her across the room to the side of her mother. "These scenes must be put a stop to, Mr. St. John," cried the Signor. "You received my answer this morning on the subject." "Only to re-enter upon it, sir. The particulars which I spared then, I will relate now." "I do not wish to hear them," said Signor de Castella, speaking irritably. "Sir," calmly interposed Mr. St. John, "I demand it as a right. The Baron has been freely remarking upon me and my conduct today, I understand, in the hearing of all now present, and I must be permitted to justify myself." "You must allow for the feeling of irritation on the Baron's part. You are neither devoid of cool judgment nor sound sense, Mr. St. John." "That is just what I have allowed for," replied Mr. St. John, frankly. "He feels, no doubt, that he is an injured man; and so I have been willing to show him consideration. Any other man, speaking of me as de la Chasse has done, would have--have--been treated differently." "Let this unpleasant matter be dropped, Mr. St. John," was the resolute answer. "Sir, I beg you to listen to my explanation; I ask it you in courtesy: it shall be given without disguise. When I came of age, I obtained possession of a handsome fortune. It is all dissipated. I was not free from the faults of youth, common to my inexperience and rank, and I was as extravagant as my worst enemy could wish. But I solemnly assert that I never have been guilty of a bad thought, of a dishonourable action. There is not a man or woman living, who can bring a word of reproach against me, save that of excessive imprudence in regard to my money--and a good part of that went to help those who wanted it worse than I do. Well, about a twelvemonth ago, I was cleared out, and had liabilities to the amount of a few thousands besides----" "Pray do not enter upon these details, Mr. St. John," interrupted Signor de Castella.