"Who? who?" they all asked.
"Lord Mersington."
"Zounds!" laughed Holsterlee; "but that old cock hath a roost-hen already—a brave girl—a bouncer that can coquette and ruffle it, without snaffle or martingale; a thorough-pacer, by the Lord—ho, ho!"
"As this is her choice," said Douglas, who perfectly understood the humour of his waggish mistress, "I think, Craigdarroch, we had better shake hands on't, as neither will be a winner in this affair."
"Yes, yes—shake hands like whipped schoolboys, and quarrel no more. So, up with your rapiers!—or, as the comedy says, the dew will rust them. But as a penance on you, Mr. Douglas, for fighting without my express permission, I shall dance with the Laird of Craigdarroch, and no one else, while you lead out old Dame Drumsturdy, or some such witch, whose most devoted you must be for the remainder of the night."
"How droll! O! I shall die with laughing," cried Lilian, clasping her hands with delight at this happy conclusion.
"Nay—fair Annie," said Douglas, "under favour—I must implore——"
"Not a word, sir, of extenuation or excuse. You shall walk a minuet with old Lady Drumsturdy, who is as charming as patches, puffs, and rouge can make her."
Holsterlee laughed till the braces of his corslet started.
"Tush! Annie—O by all the devils, I shall be the laughing-stock of the whole city."