“Ah! women will dare bold remedies.”
“Not less than men, sir, when they suffer a midsummer madness.”
“Blythewood, let us, for Heaven’s sake, be quit of mysteries! You want to quarrel, as I understand, and I’m in no mood to baulk you. What is another sting in this general attack of hornets? Only give me the pretext, man—as to which I swear I’m in a wood of bewilderment.”
“I’ll speak plain enough for an adder to hear. Didn’t you ask my favour to your suit with my sister?”
“Certainly you put the question to me.”
“Need I say more? Was this late insult a calculated one? I know nothing of the claims of the lady, or as to how far her services may warrant your condescension; but——”
“You have gained your object. Not another word, man; unless you wish to fight over a handkerchief here and now. The matter can be arranged when our responsibilities to these innocent folks are happily decided.”
The little baronet bowed.
“I regret you have forced me into this position.”
“Oh! my friend—spare yourself! I am bullied beyond any desire of explanation. I can slash and shout in this mêlée of misunderstanding, and I only dread to die because of the good, sweet soul that has fastened her life to mine. Wait; and for the sake of all give me your present services; and I will meet you with cannon, if you like, when the pother is over.”