"That is as much as to say that I am not a gentleman," exclaimed Jack, the hot blood rushing in a crimson tide to his face.
"You are perfectly at liberty to place whatever construction you like on my words, sir."
Simpkins smiled approval in his usual insipid manner.
"Bravo!" he lisped. "Very fine, indeed."
"I ask you once more," said Jack, "if you will make the amende honorable to my friend?"
"And I distinctly refuse to do so."
"In that case I shall chastise you, as I would any yelping cur which annoyed me in the street. Mind yourself, my lord," Jack exclaimed.
He raised his fist and dealt Maltravers a blow which the other vainly endeavored to ward off.
His lordship fell heavily against the wall and the blood flowed from a cut in his face, which extended the whole length of the right cheek.
"Good heavens!" said Simpkins. "The man is a butcher. He has marked you for life, Maltravers."