This last hit was irresistible, and both of us burst out laughing, while Stuart sat silent, and even affected to smile.
'Now is your time,' whispered I, to his lordship. 'A few more sarcasms, and he crouches to you for ever.'
'I fancy, young gentleman,' said his lordship, turning full upon Stuart, and laughing so long, that I thought he would never finish the sentence; 'I fancy, my tight fellow, you may now knock under.'
'I am not always inclined to do so,' replied Stuart; 'neither am I easily provoked to knock down.'
'Knock down whom?' demanded his lordship, with the most complete frown I had ever beheld.
'A puppy,' said Stuart coolly.
'You lie!' vociferated our hero.
'Leave the room, Sir,' cried Stuart, starting from his seat.
Montmorenci rose, retreated to the door;—stopped—went on—stopped again—moved—stopped—
'Vanish!' cried Stuart, advancing.