Hector entered the library with some impetuosity. Usually he was
quiet and orderly, but he had been excited by the insinuations of
Guy, and he was impatient to know what he meant--if he meant
anything.

Allan Roscoe looked up, and remarked, with slight sarcasm:

"This is not a bear garden, Hector. You appear to think you are on
the playground, judging by your hasty motions."

"I beg your pardon, uncle," said Hector, who never took amiss a
rebuke which he thought deserved. "I suppose I forgot myself, being
excited. I beg your pardon."

"What is the cause of your excitement?" asked Mr. Roscoe, surveying
the boy keenly.

"Guy has said something that I don't understand."

"He must have said something very profound, then," returned Allan
Roscoe, with light raillery.

"Indeed, Uncle Allan, it is no laughing matter," said Hector,
earnestly.

"Then let me hear what it is."

"He intimates that he knows something that would let down my pride a
peg or two. He hints that I am not the heir of Castle Roscoe."