manded of Douglas whether he had any disinclination to speak before a third person; that if he had not, he was immediately ready to give him the satisfaction required.
Sir Charles, under the hope that the dispassionate judgement of Sir Howard might tend to moderate his antagonist's warmth, said, "As no idle curiosity, gentlemen, prompts my stay, and not wishing to intrude upon your confidence, I shall withdraw; but before I do so, I must request of Captain Douglas, as the aggressor in this affair, to respect the rights I hold in this house, and not abuse the hospitality with which my doors are ever open for the reception of my guests and the happiness I wish to preserve amongst them." Not waiting a reply he quitted the room.
Sir Howard a second time demanded an explanation. The image of Rosilia, beautiful and touching, as then presented before the mental vision of Douglas, fired his soul, and in the fulness of energy he exclaimed, "I wish to be informed, sir, what are the pretensions which have authorised you to court the notice of Miss De Brooke,—Rosilia De Brooke, in the assiduous manner you have done this morning."
The commanding tone in which these words were uttered, the daring and passionate eye which
