CHAPTER XVI.
Tybalt.--Gentlemen, good den; a word with one of you.
Mercutio.--And but one word with one of us? Couple it with something; make it a word and a blow.
Tybalt.--You shall find me apt enough to that, sir, if you give me occasion.
Romeo and Juliet.
Scarcely knowing what he did, Sir Osborne sprang after Dr. Butts, and walked on with him for a minute or two in silence, while his brain turned, and all his thoughts and feelings whirled in inextricable confusion.
"Ah!" muttered the physician to himself, seeing the absent agitated air of his young companion; "ah! you've been making a fool of yourself, I see, though you've not had much time either."
The murmuring of the good doctor, however, did not disturb in the least the young knight's reverie, which might have lasted an indefinite space of time, had he not been roused therefrom by a smart tap on the shoulder. Laying his hand upon his sword, he turned suddenly round, and beheld Lord Darby, who, seeing him grasp the hilt of his weapon, pointed to it coolly, saying, "Not here, sir, not here; but anywhere else you please."
"What would you with me, sir?" demanded the knight, not exactly understanding his object, though quite ready to quarrel upon any provocation that might occur.
"But a trifle," replied the earl. "You looked at me some five minutes past as if I had offended you in something. Now, that being the case, I am ready to make reparation at the sword's point when and where it may suit your convenience."