"That's true, Mr. Oakley," said Mrs. Huxter.
"So you're siding with him,--are you?" said Mr. Huxter, angrily.
John was far from being a coward. He was disposed to treat every one with courtesy and respect, but expected to be treated in the same way. Mr. Huxter's manner was so very offensive, and his words so dictatorial, that his anger was excited. He felt that he could not with proper self-respect remain silent longer.
"Mr. Huxter," he said, fixing his eyes calmly on the face of his host, "you seem to forget that I am your guest, and entitled to be treated with common politeness."
"Mr. Oakley is quite right," said Mrs. Huxter. "You have been very rude to him."
"Do you mean to say I'm not polite?" demanded Huxter, raising his voice.
It was not certain to whom this question was addressed,--to John or his wife. But John, who did not wish to get Mrs. Huxter into trouble on his account, hastened to reply:--
"You can judge for yourself, Mr. Huxter, whether you have treated me as I had a right to expect. I came here with you to oblige your sister, Mrs. Oakley. When the business is over, I shall go back. I suppose it will only occupy a short time. I shall try to make you as little trouble as possible, and if you will let me know the rules of your house I will try to conform to them. To-morrow morning I shall be downstairs in time for breakfast."
Mr. Huxter would have been angry at these words, but the secret thought that John was in his power moderated his resentment. He laughed in his sleeve at the thought of John's dismay, when he learned that he was not here on a visit, but to remain for an indefinite period. This fact he had not mentioned even to his wife, who, therefore, could not help wondering what could be John's business.
"You've made quite a speech, Oakley," said he, sarcastically. "You may think it all right to charge a man with impoliteness in his own house, but for my part I think it cursed impudent."
"I do not intend to be impudent," said John.
"I don't know what you intend, but you are so," said Huxter.
"I hope you won't mind what he says," said Mrs. Huxter, distressed.
"Shut up, Mrs. Huxter! I'd rather you wouldn't interfere. I'll have it out with this young man without any help from you."