“What is this?” he inquired, coldly.  “A proposal?  Do I interrupt?”

“You do,” said Dan; then, after a pause, “I’ll finish it when you leave.”

Gordon entered, and spoke to his stepdaughter.

“What is this man doing in my house?”

“He is here at my invitation,” she replied.

“Tell him to leave.  I won’t have him here.”

“Why don’t you tell me?” cried Dan.  “I don’t need an interpreter.”

“Young man, don’t be rash.  There is a limit to my patience.  If you have the indecency to come here after what you have done, and after what your sister has said about me, I shall certainly—­”

Dan broke in roughly:  “I didn’t come to see you, Gordon.  You may be an agreeable sight to some people, but you’re no golden sunset in my eyes.  Eliza flattered you.”

Natalie gave a little terrified cry, for the men were glaring at each other savagely.  Neither seemed to hear her.

“Did you read that article?”

“Read it?  I wrote it!”

Gordon’s face flamed suddenly with rage; he pointed to the door with trembling fingers, and shouted: 

“Get out!  I’ll not have you here.  I discharged you once.  Get out!” His utterance was rapid and thick.

Dan smiled mirthlessly, dangerously.  In a soft voice he said: 

“I haven’t finished proposing.  I expect to be accepted.  You’ll pardon me, I know.”

“Will you go, you—­”

Dan turned to the girl, who, after that first outcry, had stood as if spellbound, her face pale, her eyes shining.

“Natalie dear,” he said, earnestly, “you can’t live in the same house with this beast.  He’s a cheat and a scoundrel.  He’s done his best to spoil your life, and he’ll succeed if you stay, so come with me now.  Eliza loves you and wants you, and I’ll never cease loving you with all my heart.  Marry me, and we’ll go—­”

Gordon uttered an inarticulate sound and came forward with his hands working hungrily.

“Don’t interrupt!” warned Dan, over his shoulder, and his white teeth gleamed in sudden contrast with his tan.  “No man could love you as I do, dear—­” Gordon’s clutch fell upon him and tightened.  Dan stiffened, and his words ceased.  Then the touch upon his flesh became unbearable.  Whirling, he wrenched himself free.  He was like a wild animal now; body and spirit had leaped into rebellion at contact with Gordon.  His long resentment burst its bounds; his lean muscles quivered.  His frame trembled as if it restrained some tremendous pressure from within.

“Don’t do that!” he cried, hoarsely, and brushed the sleeve where his enemy’s fingers had rested, as if it had been soiled.