“No matter, sir,” answered Sir John. “You cannot possibly cross steel with my Lord Sayle until I have had that pleasure, since mine is the prior claim, as I will instantly make apparent if you will trouble to step upstairs with me.”
“But, sir ... I ... I don’t understand,” murmured the young gentleman. “Pray, whom have I the honour to address?”
“My name is Dering, sir, John Dering—at your service.”
“Dering!” exclaimed the young gentleman. “Sir John Dering of Dering?”
“Oh!” cried the lady, clasping trembling hands. “The duellist?”
Sir John bowed.
“And my name is Markham, sir——”
“Why, then, Mr. Markham, if you will accompany me upstairs——”
“Willingly, sir,” answered Mr. Markham.
“O Jasper!” cried the lady. “He ... you are not going to—fight?”