"A teacher of manners to blatant puppy-dogs."
"You forget, sir, that puppy-dogs bite sometimes, and I have heard that a Berrington is afraid of a cracked skin."
"It is dangerous to listen to too many tales, my lord."
The voices of both were rising higher, whilst Michael's eyes were ablaze at his adversary's last insult.
Swords half drawn and hotter words to follow were intercepted by Gabrielle herself.
"I have already requested the favour of your hand to my coach, Mr. Berrington," she said, with a calmness and severity which were, alas! betrayed by a tremulous catch in the young voice. "A—a lady does not ask a gentleman twice."
He bowed gravely, offering her his arm, which she took, demurely curtseying.
"We shall meet again, my lord," he muttered behind his hand to Lord Denningham.
The latter grinned sardonically.
"I have heard of a Berrington hiding behind a woman's petticoats before," he drawled aloud; but in a low tone, "I'll tell you the tale, sir, at my own leisure."