The colloquy we have faithfully reported, took place in far less time than we have taken to narrate it.
Redbud had hastened forward with terror in her face, Fanny with bewilderment—lastly, Miss Sallianna had rushed up to the spot with a scream; the various personages came together just when Mr. Jinks uttered his awful threat in relation to "gory blood."
"Oh, Verty!" said Redbud.
Verty smiled.
"Alphonso!" cried Miss Sallianna, with distraction.
Alphonso Jinks made overwhelming efforts to get at his enemy.
"Please don't fight—for my sake, Verty!" murmured Redbud, with pale lips.
"Spare him, Alphonso!" cried Miss Sallianna, with a shake of agony in her voice; "spare his youth, and do not take opprobrious revenge!"
"He has wronged me!" cried Mr. Jinks.
"Pardon him, Alphonso!"