“It is not to be thought of.�
“You speak with authority?� he asked, looking at me strangely.
“I have known her from a child,� said I, “and her father before her. It is not in the breed to take favors, and—�
“But this is—er—restitution.�
“Did you win it fairly?� I asked.
“By God,� he answered, clapping his hand to his sword, “if another had asked me that I would have had him out.�
“Your answer?� I persisted, undaunted by his fierceness.
He smiled, his sudden heat dying out apparently as he realized how foolish it was to quarrel with me and discovered the meaning of my question.
“Of course we won it fairly. Sir Geoffrey was the most reckless and even the most foolish gambler I ever played with. We took advantage of that, but there was no cheating, Master Hampdon, no, on my honor, as I am a gentleman.�
“Under the circumstances then,� said I, “there is nothing further to be said.�