By way of explanation Muki seized Bessy's hand and raised it to his lips, and said to me as a matter of form, "Bessy is my betrothed."
And it was for this, then, that all these Sardanapalian accusations had been piled upon my head. The sapling of the stage, the flower-garden, and my landlord's young ladies were the golden bridge for a retreat.
It was only then that I hit upon more sensible ideas and hastened to congratulate them.
And now I made it a point to remain where I was. They shall see that the whole matter is of the utmost indifference to me.
"You know, I suppose," said Muki, "what was the cause of my last duel?"
"That famous duel of yours, eh?"
"Yes, it was pretty famous, I think. That poor young fellow whom I shot was a worthy comrade, but had he been my born brother I would have shot him for his disrespectful allusions to my bride."
"Go along with you, you bloodthirsty man!" cried Bessy, with coquettish self-satisfaction.
And he had the cheek to say all this before me who knew the whole history of the duel! How ridiculous I could have made him look, if I had told how it had happened! But do it I wouldn't, because I felt that they were a worthy pair. I merely said: "I must admit, friend Muki, that in the way of imagination you are much greater than I."
"And greater in other things also," said Muki, half drawing his sword.