第78章 Rather Volcanic.(3)

"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.

"Mr.Burleigh,"began Sibley,indignantly,"this fellow,Van Berg,has the impudence to say that I must leave this house within half an hour.I wish you to inform him that YOU are the proprietor of this establishment.""Humph,"remarked Mr.Burleigh,phlegmatically,"that is your side of the story.Now,Mr.Van Berg,let us have yours.""Mr.Burleigh,"said Van Berg,in tones that straightened up the languid host in his easy chair,"would you permit a known and recognized disreputable woman to be flaunting about this hotel?""You know me better than to ask such a question,"said the landlord,the color of his ruddy cheeks suddenly deepening.

"Well,sir,I claim that a man who bears precisely the same character is no more to be tolerated;and I have learned to respect you as one whom no consideration could induce to permit the presence of a human beast,whose every thought of woman is an insult.""It's all an infernal lie,"began Sibley."I only made a slight,half-jesting allusion to that prudish little school-ma'am that these fellows are so cracked over;and they have gone on like mad bulls ever since."Mr.Burleigh started to his feet with a tremendous oath.

"You made an 'allusion,'as you term it,to Miss Burton,eh!--the young lady who was put under my charge,and who comes from one of the best families in New England.I know what kind of allusions fellows of your kidney make;"and the incensed host struck his bell sharply.

"Send the porter here instantly,"he said to the boy who answered.

"What do you mean to do?"asked Sibley,turning pale.

"I mean to put you out of my house within the next ten minutes,"said Mr.Burleigh,emphatically."You might as well have made an allusion to my wife as to Miss Burton;and let me tell you that if you wag your wanton tongue again,I'll have my colored waiters whip you off the premises.""But where shall I go?"whined Sibley,now thoroughly cowed.

"Go to the nearest kennel or sty you can find.Either place would be more appropriate for you than my house.Mr.Van Berg and Mr.

Stanton,I think you for your conduct in this affair.You are correct in supposing that I wish to entertain only gentlemen and ladies."Sibley now began to bluster about law and vengeance.

"Be still,sir,"thundered Mr.Burleigh."One of the carriages will take you to the depot or landing as you choose.After that,trouble me or mine again at your peril.Now,be off.No,I'll not take any of your dirty money;and if these friends of yours wish to go with you,they are welcome to do so.""We are only acquaintances of Mr.Sibley's,"chorused his late companions,"and came in merely to see fair play.""Well,you haven't seen 'fair play,'"growled Mr.Burleigh."I've treated the fellow much better than he deserves."Before Sibley could realize it,a carriage whirled him and his baggage away.His reckless anger having evaporated,the base and cowardly instincts of his nature resumed their sway,and he was glad to slink off to New York,thus escaping further danger and trouble.