I don't like it, I tell you! You've got to do more than deny a circumstantial story like that by a fellow whose standing here is as good as yours! If you don't offer some better explanation of this by to-morrow night I shall have to ask you to cut my acquaintance--and the acquaintance of my family!" Armitage's face was grave, but he smiled as he took his hat and stick.
"I shall not be able to satisfy you of my respectability by to-morrow night, Captain Claiborne.

My own affairs must wait on larger matters." "Then you need never take the trouble!" "In my own time you shall be quite fully satisfied," said Armitage quietly, and turned away.
He was not among the others of the Claiborne party when they got into their carriages to go to the ball.

He went, in fact, to the telegraph office and sent a message to Oscar Breunig, Lamar, Virginia, giving notice of a shipment of steers.
Then he returned to the New American and packed his belongings..