The devil of pride, and the devil of fear,
and the devil of shame, all rushed to the outworks to defend the
worthless self. But his temper did not at once break bounds.
"Allow me to remind you, Mr. Grant," he said, "that, although I have
availed myself of your help, I am not your pupil, and you have no
authority over me."
"The reminder is unnecessary, my lord," answered Donal. "I am not
your tutor, but I am the friend of the Comins, and therefore of
Eppy."
His lordship drew himself up yet more erect in his chair, and a
sneer came over his handsome countenance. But Donal did not wait
for him to speak.
"Don't imagine me, my lord," he said, "presuming on the fact that I
had the good fortune to carry you home: that I should have done for
the stable-boy in similar plight. But as I interfered for you then,
I have to interfere for Eppie now."
"Damn your insolence! Do you think because you are going to be a
parson, you may make a congregation of me!"
"I have not the slightest intention of being a parson," returned
Donal quietly, "but I do hope to be an honest man, and your lordship
is in great danger of ceasing to be one!"
"Get out of my room," cried Forgue.
Donal took a seat opposite him.
"If you do not, I will!" said the young lord, and rose.
But ere he reached the door, Donal was standing with his back
against it. He locked it, and took out the key.
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