Traverse prevented him, saying:

"Sir, in consideration of your age, which should be venerable, your
position which should prove you honorable, and of this sacred house
of mourning in which you stand, I have endeavored to meet all the
insults you have offered me with forbearance. But, sir, I am here to
defend my mother's rights and to protect her from insult! And I tell
you plainly that you have affronted her for the very last time! One
more word or look of insult leveled at Marah Rocke and neither your
age, position nor this sacred roof shall protect you from personal
chastisement at the hands of her son!"

Le Noir, who had listened in angry scorn, with many an ejaculation
of contempt, now at the conclusion which so galled his pride, broke
out furiously, with:

"Sir, you are a bully! If you were a gentleman I would call you
out!"

"And I should not come if you did, sir! Dueling is unchristian,
barbarous and abominable in the sight of God and all good men. For
the rest you may call me anything you please; but do not again
insult my mother, for if you do I shall hold it a Christian duty to
teach you better manners," said Traverse, coolly taking his hat and
walking from the room. He mounted his horse and stood ready to
attend Clara to Staunton.

Colonel Le Noir ground his teeth in impotent rage, muttering;