“There’s no regularity in such a meeting. Where are the seconds?”
“I’ll be your second, major,” cried Elizabeth. “Aunt Sally, second Captain Peyton.”
“Ridiculous!” said the major.
“Anything to bring you out,” said Peyton, as desirous of avenging himself on Elizabeth, through her affianced, as she was to complete her own revenge through the same instrument. “I’ll fight you with half a sword. I’d forgotten ’tis all I’ve left.”
“I would not take an advantage,” said the New Yorker.
“Then break your own sword, and make us equal,” said the Virginian.
“I value my weapon too much for that.”
Peyton smiled ironically. But he tried again.
“Then I shall be less scrupulous,” said he. “I will take an advantage. The greater honor to you, if you defeat me. You take the broken sword, and lend me yours.”
He held out his hilt for exchange.