“Yes, indeed.”
“No, sir; I am sure to win.”
“Bah! you ladies have such a delicious little confidence in the things you patronize, that it is really astonishing. You think Sir Archy will beat Selim? Pshaw! you know nothing about it.”
This piques madam Henrietta, and she smiles satirically again as she says:
“Well, sir, I do not want your pretty horse—but if you insist, why, I cannot retreat. I shall, at least, have the pleasure of returning him to his master.”
The Captain shakes his head.
“A bet upon such terms is no bet at all, my dearest madam,” he says, “for, I assure you, if I win, you will return home curl-less, glove-less, and ribbon-less. All is fair in war—and love.”
With which words, Captain Ralph darts a martial ogle at his companion. This piques her more than ever.
“Well, sir,” she replies, “if you are determined, have your desire.”
“Good!” cries the Captain, “we are just in time. There is the horse.” . . . . . . And, with another gallant bow, the Captain rides away towards the horses. . . .