“I took full licence for a ruined man,” said the baronet; “and am prepared to give the fullest satisfaction.”
The injured one almost whimpered.
“That is the devil of luck,” he said hysterically. “You force a quarrel on me, and deprive me of the fruits of it.”
“Oh, sir! Not necessarily.”
“You know I’m damned bad at shot and thrust.”
The loser smiled wickedly. The only stealthy witness of the little scene was the short-sighted man.
“You desire to compound the insult, then?” said Sir Robert.
“Oh! surely, sir, with your kind permission.”
The other laughed, shrugged his shoulders, and turned away. Mr. Ladislaw took a forward step and ventured timidly:
“You exaggerated, I trust, when you spoke of yourself as ruined?”