"I have heard from Mr Elrington the cause of it," replied Miss Trevannion; "that is, I have heard his version of it. I am glad that you have come back, as I am most anxious to hear yours. What has Mr Elrington said or done to cause such irritation and his dismissal?" "He has behaved with insolence and ingratitude," replied Mr Trevannion; "I offered him partnership, and he refused, unless I would give up privateering." "So he stated; but in what manner was he insolent to you?" "Insolent!--told me that he acted from conscientious motives, which was as much as to say that I did not." "Was his language very offensive?" "No, not his language--that was respectful enough; but it was the very respect which made it insolent. So I told him that as he could not, from scruples of conscience, join me in privateering, of course his scruples of conscience could not allow him to keep the books, and I dismissed him." "Do you mean to say, my dear father, that he, in a respectful manner, declined entering into partnership from these scruples which you mention; that he gave you no other offence than expressing his opinion, and declining your offer?" "And what would you have more?" replied Mr Trevannion. "I wish to know where was the insult, the ingratitude, on his part which you complain of?" "Simply in refusing the offer. He ought to have felt grateful, and he was not; and he had no right to give such reasons as he did; for the reasons were condemning my actions. But you women cannot understand these things."