seemed already to devour its object, were certainly calculated to exasperate Sir Howard; but still, deeply concentrating within himself the impressions which governed him, he with decision replied, "I presume, sir, it may be allowed me in my turn to ask by what claim you hold yourself entitled to catechize me on this point."
"By claims of prior right, sir", retorted the other with vehemence. Sir Howard bowed profoundly; his lip quivered, he would have spoken, but Douglas, whose feelings became less tumultuous after he had given utterance to them, proceeded somewhat more calmly; "I have already made my sentiments known, they were not rejected; I had reason to expect a favourable issue; and I cannot, cannot resign these claims to any, to any man living!"
Regarding Douglas with an air at once grave, cautious, and subtle. Sir Howard after a short pause replied, "that after an avowal so explicit he could have nothing more to say." To which Douglas, entirely disarmed, and truly generous when no impediments opposed the course of his passions and desires, expressed his acknowledgments with all the vivacity that honour, frankness, and cordiality could dictate. Sir Howard replied in terms of affected civility, for piqued and mortified, and angry
