"Mr. Livingston Palmer.
"Dear Sir: You have dared to write an insulting letter to my wife and I demand an apology. You are evidently seeking to alienate her affections from me. If ever she should forsake me it won't be for such a man as you. She requests me to say that your attentions are unwelcome, and that she has never given you any encouragement. If you renew them, I will horsewhip you on sight.
"Yours, etc.,
"Peter Churchill."Should you take offense at my letter, I am willing to meet you on the field of honor. You have the choice of weapons."
"So Alameda is a married woman?" said Robert, rather amused.
"Yes."
"And her husband charges you with trying to alienate her affections?"
"It is terrible!" murmured Palmer.
"And he hints at a duel. Shall you meet him on the field of honor, Mr. Palmer?"
"No! no! I wouldn't fight a duel for anything. What do you think I had better do?"
"Write a letter of apology. Tell him you did not know she was a married woman, and will withdraw your attentions."
"I will. I—I don't think I love her any more, now that I know she is another man's wife."