"Sir, I am glad you have done me the favour of addressing me temperately, so that I am permitted to clear myself of an unjust and most unpleasant imputation. I will, if you please, see you, or your friend; to whom perhaps I shall better be able to certify how unfounded is the charge you bring against me. I will call upon you at the Pilot Inn, where I hear that you are staying; or, if you prefer it, I will attend to any appointment you may choose to direct elsewhere. But it must be immediate, as the term of my residence in this neighbourhood is limited.
"I am,
"Sir,
"Yours obediently,
"Edward Blancove."
Major Waning read the lines with a critical attention.
"It seems fair and open," was his remark.
"Here," Robert struck his breast, "here's what answers him. What shall I do? Shall I tell him to come?"
"Write to say that your friend will meet him at a stated place."
Robert saw his prey escaping. "I'm not to see him?"
"No. The decent is the right way in such cases. You must leave it to me. This will be the proper method between gentlemen."
"It appears to my idea," said Robert, "that gentlemen are always, somehow, stopped from taking the straight-ahead measure."