Two years had now passed since Norman had chosen to quarrel with Alaric, and during all that period the two had never spoken amicably together, though they had met on business very frequently; on all such occasions Alaric had been unperturbed and indifferent, whereas Norman had been gloomy, and had carried a hostile brow and angry eye.

At their period of life, two years generally does much to quiet feelings of ill-will and pacify animosity; but Norman's feelings had by no means been quieted, nor his animosity pacified.

He had loved Alaric with a close and manly love; now he hated him with a close and, I fear I may say, a manly hatred.

Alaric had, as he thought, answered his love by treachery; and there was that in Norman's heart which would not allow him to forgive one who had been a traitor to him.

He had that kind of selfishness so common to us, but of which we are so unconscious, which will not allow us to pardon a sin against our own _amour propre_.