and herself. He was advancing to take her hand.

"Stand there," she said, with an authority he had not the courage to
defy. He stood there--abashed, or hesitating as to the way in which he
should enter upon his business.

"Well!" Mrs. Rowe said, firmly and impatiently.

Mr. Charles, stung by the manner, turned upon his victim. "Well!" he
jeered, "yes, and well again, Mrs. Rowe. Is it necessary for me to
explain myself? Do you think I have come to see _you_!"

"I have no money at present; I wrote you so."

"And I didn't believe you, and have come to fetch what you wouldn't
send. If you think I'm going into a corner to starve for your personal
satisfaction, you are very much mistaken. I'm surprised you don't
understand me better by this time."

"You were a rascal, Charles, before you left school."

"School! Pretty school! D--n it, don't blame me--woman!"

Mrs. Rowe was alarmed by the outburst, lest it should wake some of the
boarders.

"The Dean and his lady are sleeping overhead. If you don't respect me,
think----"

"I'm not here to respect, or think about anybody. I'm cast alone into