“I ask you,” said Florimel, “why you have dared to bring me away like this. Nothing but some danger threatening me could justify it.” “There you say it, my lady.” “And what is the danger, pray?” “You were going on the continent with Lady Bellair and Lord Liftore --and without me to do as I had promised.” “You insult me!” cried Florimel. “Are my movements to be subject to the approbation of my groom? Is it possible my father could give his henchman such authority over his daughter? I ask you again, where was the danger?” “In your company, my lady.” “So!” exclaimed Florimel, attempting to rise in sarcasm as she rose in wrath, lest she should fall into undignified rage. “And what may be your objection to my companions?” “That Lady Bellair is not respected in any circle where her history is known; and that her nephew is a scoundrel.” “It but adds to the wrong you heap on me, that you compel me to hear such wicked abuse of my father’s friends,” said Florimel, struggling with tears of anger. But for regard to her dignity she would have broken out in fierce and voluble rage. “If your father knew Lord Liftore as I do, he would be the last man my lord marquis would see in your company.” “Because he gave you a beating, you have no right to slander him,” said Florimel spitefully. Malcolm laughed. He must either laugh or be angry. “May I ask how your ladyship came to hear of that?” “He told me himself,” she answered. “Then, my lady, he is a liar, as well as worse. It was I who gave _him_ the drubbing he deserved for his insolence to my--mistress. I am sorry to mention the disagreeable fact, but it is absolutely necessary you should know what sort of man he is.” “And, if there be a lie, which of the two is more likely to tell it?” “That question is for you, my lady, to answer.” “I never knew a servant who would not tell a lie,” said Florimel. “I was brought up a fisherman,” said Malcolm. “And,” Florimel went on, “I have heard my father say no gentleman ever told a lie.” “Then Lord Liftore is no gentleman,” said Malcolm. “But I am not going to plead my own cause even to you, my lady. If you can doubt me, do. I have only one thing more to say:--that when I told you and my Lady Clementina about the fisher-girl and the gentleman----” “How dare you refer to that again? Even you ought to know there are things a lady cannot hear. It is enough you affronted me with that before Lady Clementina--and after foolish boasts on my part of your good breeding! Now you bring it up again, when I cannot escape your low talk!” “My lady, I am sorrier than you think; but which is worse--that you should hear such a thing spoken of, or make a friend of the man who did it--and that is Lord Liftore?”