Sibley was just sufficiently excited
by wine to act out recklessly his evil self.
"What's the matter, Stanton?" he exclaimed. "Your phiz is as long
as if the world looked black and blue as a prize-fighter's eye. Is
Sunday an off day in your flirtation? Does the little school-ma'am
take after her Puritan daddies, and say 'Hold thy hand till Monday?'
Get her out of the crowd, and you'll find it all a pretence."
Stanton rose to his feet, but was so quiet that Sibley did not
realize the storm he was raising. Van Berg remained on the ground
with his back to the party, but was smoking furiously.
By an effort at self-control that made his voice harsh and constrained,
Stanton said, briefly:
"Mr. Sibley, I request that you never mention that lady's name to
me again in any circumstances. I request that you never mention
her name to any one else except in tones and words of the utmost
respect. I make these requests politely, as is befitting the day
and my own self-respect; but if you disregard them the consequences
to you will be very serious."
"Good Lord, Stanton! has she treated you so badly! But don't take
it to heart. It's all Yankee thrift, designed to enhance her value.
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