"I should require other evidence to make me think so."
"Because you cannot appreciate the feelings that dictate it."
"In what respect?"
"As they are caused by my regard for Signora Florinda."
"It is well to assume a virtue, if we have it not," said the Italian, scornfully.
"I assume nothing, Signor Petro."
"Flatter not yourself that you can escape me by this assumed tone of feeling, Signor Americano."
"You have my answer, signor."
"I shall take an early opportunity to keep you at your word," was the menacing reply, and they separated.
Carlton would rather have engaged with any other person in an affair of this kind than with Petro, for obvious reasons; and, as he said to him, besides which, he had the greatest aversion to "affairs of honor," but from principle only, for his was as brave a heart as ever drew sword.