Sweethearts at Home

by S. R. Crockett

"You came here to talk about me," he said hoarsely, bending forward towards them like a beast ready for the spring.

"Nonsense!" said Hugh John; "we met by pure accident. I did not want any dinner, and Elizabeth wanted a breath of fresh air."

"You lie! I do not believe you!" cried Nipper.

"You will have to, Nipper," said Hugh John, who had not moved an inch.

"And why?"

"Because I say it!" said Hugh John quietly. "I do not tell lies!"

"A likely story!" growled Nipper. "You were talking about me! I heard you. You will have to fight me—Hugh John Picton Smith!"

"That we shall see," said Hugh John coolly. "What must be, must be. But there is a word or two to say first."

"Talk!" cried Nipper. "Oh, that does no good to a fellow like me. You shall fight me, I tell you!"

"Not before Elizabeth Fortinbras!" said Hugh John, taking off his cap with a quick, instinctive gesture of respect. "You and I can't behave like two angry dogs before her!"