RICHARD Permit me, sir. [Taking something from his coat.] My answer is—bare cob! [Holding out a shelled corn-cob.] Thresh this, sir, for your antagonist. ’Tis the only one worthy your lordship. [Tosses it contemptuously towards him.]
RAVENSBANE Upon my honour, as a man—
RICHARD As a man forsooth! Were you indeed a man, Lord Ravensbane, I would have accepted your weapons, and flailed you out of New England. But it is not my custom to chastise runagates from asylums, or to banter further words with a natural and a ninny.
RACHEL Squire Talbot! Will you leave my uncle’s house?
RAVENSBANE One moment, mistress:—I did not wholly catch the import of this gentleman’s speech, but I fancy I have insulted him by my reply to his challenge. One insult may perhaps be remedied by another. Sir, permit me to call you a ninny, and to offer you— [Drawing his sword and offering it.] swords.
RICHARD Thanks; I reject the offer.
RAVENSBANE [Turning away despondently.] He rejects it. Well!
RACHEL [To Richard.] And now will you leave?
RICHARD At once. But one word more. Rachel—Rachel, have you forgotten this morning and the glass of truth?
RACHEL [Coldly.] No.