'Well, it is to arrange an hour and place for a mutual meeting, with swords, or pistols more probably.'
'Oh, indeed. Very kind and considerate of you to take such interest in my affairs; but I don't suppose, Captain—what's your name?—oh, ah, Victor Gabion—that a peer of the realm was, even of old, when such things were in fashion, obliged to go out with a commoner, nor am I with this fellow, who, as you no doubt know, was but recently in the hands of your authorities. Moreover, people don't fight duels now.'
'In England, so I believe, but monsieur is in Belgium.'
'D—n Belgium, I am not likely to forget that.'
'If monsieur adopts this tone to me, I shall have the pleasure of a little turn with him after.'
'After what?' asked Cadbury, with dilated eyes.
'After Captain Goring's affair is over.'
'The devil you will!' exclaimed the peer, greatly ruffled.
'Sapristi—yes.'
Pleasant this! thought Lord Cadbury; two duels in prospect after all his schemes, and 'no end' of money, and Alison slipped through his fingers after all!