For the first time in fifteen years Mrs. Archibald lost her temper. She turned pale with anger. "You contemptible scoundrel! Go! Leave this camp instantly!"
He stood with arms folded and smiled at her, saying nothing. She trembled, she was so angry. But what could she do? If she called Mr. Archibald, or if he should be awakened by any outcry, she feared there would be bloodshed, and if she went to call Matlack, Mr. Archibald would be sure to be awakened. But at this moment some one stepped up quickly behind Raybold, and with a hand upon his shoulder, partly turned him around.
"I think," said the bishop, "that I heard this lady tell you to go. If so, go."
"I did say it," said Mrs. Archibald, hurriedly. "Please be as quiet as you can, but make him go."
"Do you hear what Mrs. Archibald says?" asked the bishop, sternly. "Depart, or--"
"Do you mean to threaten me?" asked Raybold.
The bishop stepped close to him. "Will you go of your own accord," he asked, "or do you wish me to take you away?"
He spoke quietly, but with an earnestness that impressed itself upon Raybold, who made a quick step backward. He felt a natural repugnance, especially in the presence of a lady, to be taken away by this big man, who, in the moonlight, seemed to be bigger than ever.
"I will speak to you," said he, "when there are no ladies present." And with this he retired.
"I am so much obliged to you," said Mrs. Archibald. "It was a wonderful piece of good fortune that you should have come at this minute."
The bishop smiled. "I am delighted that I happened here," he said. "I heard so much talking this evening that I thought I would tranquillize my mind by a quiet walk by myself before I went to bed, and so I happened to see you and Raybold. Of course I had no idea of intruding upon you, but when I saw you stretch out your arm and say 'Go!' I thought it was time for me to come."
"I feel bound to say to you," said Mrs. Archibald, "that that impertinent fellow is persisting in his attentions to Miss Dearborn, and that Mr. Archibald and I will not have it."
"I imagined that the discussion was on that subject," said the bishop, "for Mr. Clyde has intimated to me that Raybold has been making himself disagreeable to the young lady."