The latter stepped back and with a well-aimed blow sent Charles flying backwards over two chairs.
"'Slife, Charles," said Mr. Golightly very stiffly. "Your conduct is d——d irregular, Sir."
"Most improper," said Mr. Chalkley.
"Devilish unrestrained," said little Peter Wingfield.
"Charles was two bottles ahead of us, gentlemen," said Blewforth who held a broad mind in a broad body.
Our hero was still lying where Vernon had sent him among cards and broken glass.
"D—— n you all," cried Clare. "Charles is worth the rest of you puppies in red and blue coats put together, and by G——, Mr. Vernon, he shall kill you for that blow."
Everybody was so surprized to hear Mr. Anthony Clare, cool and placid Tony Clare, break out like this that a wave of embarrassment swept over the room. One by one they hurried from the scene of such an irregular quarrel.
It was very entertaining to see them march out so stiff and straight, with nutshells crackling underneath their feet.