"
Sibley's companions speedily disarmed him, strongly remonstrating
in the meantime. He, in sudden revulsion, began to realize what
he had attempted, and his flushed face became very pale.
"Let them leave me alone," he growled sullenly, "and I'll leave
them alone."
"For Heaven's sake, Mr. Van Berg," cried Sibley's companions, "let
the matter end here, lest worse come of it."
In the same steely, relentless tones, which made very word seem
like a bullet, Van Berg took out his watch, and said:
"It is now four o'clock, sir. After half-past four, you must not
show your libertine's face in that house again, while there's a
lady in it that I respect."
"Burleigh is proprietor of that house," replied Sibley, doggedly;
"and I'll stay up the entire week, just to spite you."
"Let us go to Burleigh, then," said the artist, promptly. "We will
settle this question at once."
Sibley readily agreed to this appeal to his host, fully believing
that he would try to smooth over matters and assure Van Berg that
he could not turn away a wealthy and profitable guest; and so,
without further parley, they all repaired to Mr. Burleigh's private
office, arousing that gentleman from an afternoon nap to a state
of mind that effectually banished drowsiness for the remainder of
the day.
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