'What does that matter? I may recover.'
'Not so,' muttered Disbrowe. 'If I fall, I will take care you do not recover.... I will fight him to-morrow,' he added aloud.
About noon on the following day Disbrowe proceeded to the Smyrna Coffee-house, where, as he expected, he found Parravicin and his companions. The knight instantly advanced towards him, and laying aside for the moment his reckless air, inquired, with a look of commiseration, after his wife.
'She is better,' replied Disbrowe, fiercely. 'I am come to settle accounts with you.'
'I thought they were settled long ago,' returned Parravicin, instantly resuming his wonted manner. 'But I am glad to find you consider the debt unpaid.'
Disbrowe lifted the cane he held in his hand, and struck the knight with it forcibly on the shoulder. 'Be that my answer,' he said.
'I will have your life first, and your wife afterwards,' replied Parravicin fiercely.
'You shall have her if you slay me, but not otherwise,' retorted Disbrowe. 'It must be a mortal duel.'
'It must,' replied Parravicin. 'I will not spare you this time. I shall instantly proceed to the west side of Hyde Park, beneath the trees. I shall expect you there. On my return I shall call on your wife.'
'I pray you do so, sir,' replied Disbrowe, disdainfully.