But for regard to her dignity she
would have broken out in fierce and voluble rage.
"If your father knew Lord Liftore as I do, he would be the last
man my lord marquis would see in your company."
"Because he gave you a beating, you have no right to slander him,"
said Florimel spitefully.
Malcolm laughed. He must either laugh or be angry.
"May I ask how your ladyship came to hear of that?"
"He told me himself," she answered.
"Then, my lady, he is a liar, as well as worse. It was I who gave
him the drubbing he deserved for his insolence to my--mistress.
I am sorry to mention the disagreeable fact, but it is absolutely
necessary you should know what sort of man he is."
"And, if there be a lie, which of the two is more likely to tell
it?"
"That question is for you, my lady, to answer."
"I never knew a servant who would not tell a lie," said Florimel.
"I was brought up a fisherman," said Malcolm.
"And," Florimel went on, "I have heard my father say no gentleman
ever told a lie."
"Then Lord Liftore is no gentleman," said Malcolm. "But I am not
going to plead my own cause even to you, my lady. If you can doubt
me, do. I have only one thing more to say: that when I told you
and my Lady Clementina about the fisher girl and the gentleman--"
"How dare you refer to that again? Even you ought to know there
are things a lady cannot hear.
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