"I do not care for boxing-matches in a ball-room." he said, "not even with an intoxicated Englishman. Captain von Ebberstein, I should be very glad if you would represent me in this matter."
The one elderly officer present bowed, and approached Miles, whom he also saluted with a faultless formality, which contrasted strikingly with the other's unsteady, excited movements.
"Perhaps the gentleman would kindly name his seconds," he said, speaking in broken English. "The continuation of this affair can then be arranged on a more becoming occasion."
Arnold tried to loosen Nora's grasp upon his arm.
"I must get him out of this somehow," he whispered. "They are trying to force him into a duel."
Miles, however, gave him no time to interfere.
"What the devil do you mean?" he demanded.
The officer shrugged his shoulders.
"You felt yourself wounded in your honour and have avenged yourself by insulting this officer here. That can have but one meaning."
"I swear I don't know what you are talking about!"