"Upon one condition, then," said Ravenshaw.
The two gallants raised their points, to rush at each other.
"That the survivor shall fight me afterward," he finished.
The two gallants lowered their points, and hesitated.
"Troth, I have taken no offence of you, sir," said Master Burney; "and given none, I think."
"But your ladies yonder gave me offence; and to whom shall I look for reparation, if not to you two?"
"Faith," said the small gallant, "a man who undertook to give reparation for every foolish word a woman spoke, would have no time to eat, drink, or sleep."
"I see how it is," said Ravenshaw, with a shrug. "I may not hope for satisfaction unless I force you to self-defence; and that would be murder. But, by the foot of a soldier, if I must go without reparation, I'll not be the only one! If I forego, so must you both. How like you that, Master Burney?"
"How can I? He struck me a blow."