"So, incredulous fair one, you see I am here, notwithstanding your disbelief in my word."
"Yes; I see you are here."
"Well, that is a very cordial welcome to an old friend, certainly. In what school have you taken lessons in hospitality and politeness?"
"In one where I have learned to treat insolence according to its deserts."
"Indeed! then I think we must have graduated at the same institution. Perhaps we had as well try each other's skill and proficiency, and the one that shall prove the aptest scholar be declared victor in the contest between us. Do you accept the challenge?"
"I accept nothing from you; your pretended friendship I despise; your threats I hold in as much contempt as I do their author; your intended insults I will pay back even to death, sir!" and as she spoke, there was a flashing light in her eye which gave the villain to understand she meant all she said; but assuming not to heed his convictions on that point, here plied, with as much seeming ease as he could command:
"Oh, I have heard such talk before."
"Yes, and like the base coward you are, you sprang from the dagger at your breast, even though it was but a woman's hand that held it."
"Girl! don't presume too far on my forbearance! I warn you in time to beware of that!"
"I presume nothing on any good trait of character or nobleness of soul you may possess, sir, but on your cowardice!"