"I am waiting to hear what Mr Alleyne has to say to the father of the lady he insulted," cried the baronet warmly; and these words acted like a spur to Alleyne, who turned upon him proudly. "It was no insult, Sir John, to tell her that I loved her," he said. "But I say it was, sir, knowing as you did that she was engaged to Captain Rolph. Confound it all, sir, it was positively disgraceful. I am her father, sir, and I demand an apology--a full apology at once." Alleyne looked at him for a few moments in silence, and then, with his lips quivering, he spoke in a low deep voice,-- "Tell her, Sir John, that in answer to your demand I humbly ask forgiveness if I have given her pain. I regret my words most bitterly, and that I would they had been unsaid--that I ask her pardon." "That is enough, I think," said Sir John, with a show of importance in his speech, but with a look in his eye that betokened more and more his dissatisfaction with his task. "Quite," said the major gravely. "If an apology was necessary, Mr Alleyne has made the _amende honorable_." "Exactly," said Sir John impatiently, as if he were on the magisterial bench, and some poacher had been brought before him. "And now, sir, what am I to say to Captain Rolph?" The major laid his hand upon his brother's arm, but he could not check his words, and he turned round directly after, almost startled by the vehemence with which Alleyne spoke, with his keen eyes first upon one brother, then upon the other. "Tell Captain Rolph, gentlemen, if he wishes for an apology to come and ask it of me himself." "Sir," began Sir John; but the major quickly interposed. "Mr Alleyne is quite right, John," he said. "He has apologised to the father of the lady he is accused of insulting; that ought to be sufficient. If Rolph feels aggrieved, it should be his duty to himself apply for redress." "But--" began Sir John. "That will do, my dear John," said the major firmly. "You have performed the duty you came to fulfil; now let us go. Mr Alleyne, for my part, I am very sorry this has happened--good-day." Alleyne bowed, and Sir John, who was feeling beaten, allowed the major to lead him out of the house, the latter feeling quite relieved when they were in the lane, for he had been dreading the coming of Mrs Alleyne or Lucy for the last ten minutes of their visit. "Hah!" he ejaculated, breathing more freely, "I am glad that is over." "But it isn't over," cried Sir John, who was exceedingly unsettled in his mind. "Why, Jem, your confounded interference has spoiled the whole affair." "Nonsense, Jack, he apologised very handsomely; what more would you have?" "What more would I have! How am I to face Rob? What am I to say when he asks me what apology the fellow made?" "My dear Jack," said the major, "I may be wrong, but I look upon Mr Alleyne as a thorough gentleman." "Oh, do you?"