“Sir,” returned the Baronet, with a dark frown, gazing fiercely at the Lieutenant, and his lip trembling with passion, “I am not answerable to you, or any man, for my words; I am, however, responsible for the honour of my family. I was invited here, and I came expecting to receive proofs of a child of my brother’s—a lawful child, mind you—born in wedlock; when at the same time I felt fully convinced that my brother never was married, even though my Lord Hood appears to say to the contrary, but who cannot say who his wife was, or whether—— Pray hear me to the end, Lieutenant O’Loughlin,” continued the Baronet, waving his hand, seeing the angry impatience of the honest sailor. “Lord Hood is depending on reports; I cannot depend on any such foundation. I am quite willing to listen to reason, or to do my duty, provided I am satisfied with the proofs put before me; but you or any one else may depend I will not consent to rob my children of their rightful inheritance, without some substantial evidence of birth, marriage, &c. This young man,” continued the Baronet, turning with a look of fierce hatred towards William—(neither O’Loughlin nor the solicitor interrupted him, waiting patiently till he had ceased speaking)—“this young man is introduced into the presence of a female, apparently hiding—from whom—who can say? Seeing how young and inexperienced was the person introduced to her, she declares herself to be a Duchess, thinking this high title would impose——” “You are going too far, Sir Godfrey Etherton,” interrupted William Thornton, losing all patience; his features flushed with excitement as he confronted the Baronet, and their eyes met. “I will not stand here, quiescent, to hear a noble lady and her unfortunate child so grossly maligned and insulted. You have, no doubt, received a false statement of facts from your son, Howard Etherton——” The Baronet, one of the most excitable and passionate men breathing, lost all control over a temper that had rendered his name one of detestation in the naval service of his country. “How dare you!” fiercely interrupted Sir Godfrey, stamping on the floor with rage. “You, the son of a common seaman, dare to accuse my son of giving false statements! You forget, boy, to whom you speak!” The Baronet felt a grasp upon his shoulder that turned him round face to face with the excited O’Loughlin, whilst poor Mr. Stanmore, a quiet and rather timid man, looked and felt extremely miserable and uneasy. “Ah,” he thought to himself, “these sons of the ocean are terribly fiery; better use the pen than the sword—a much safer weapon!”