"What do you imagine I have done with her ?" Sir Norman's feelings, which had been rising ever since their meeting, got up to such a height at this aggravating question, that he gave vent to an oath, and laid his hand on his sword; but the count's hand lightly interposed before it came out.
"Not yet, Sir Norman.

Be calm; talk rationally.

What do you accuse me of doing with Leoline ?" "Do you dare deny having carried her off ?" "Deny it?
No; I am never afraid to father my own deeds." "Ah!" said Sir Norman grinding his teeth.

"Then you acknowledge it ?" "I acknowledge it--yes.

What next ?" The perfect composure of his tone fell like a cool, damp towel on the fire of Sir Norman's wrath.