No. 28.
[STEELE.
From Saturday, June 11, to Tuesday, June 14, 1709.
White's Chocolate-house, June 13.
I had suspended the business of duelling to a distant time, but that I am called upon to declare myself on a point proposed in the following letter.
"June 9, at night.
"Sir,
"I desire the favour of you to decide this question, whether calling a gentleman a 'smart fellow' is an affront or not? A youth entering a certain coffee-house, with his cane tied at his button, wearing red-heeled shoes, I thought of your description,[293] and could not forbear telling a friend of mine next to me, 'There enters a smart fellow.' The gentleman hearing it, had immediately a mind to pick a quarrel with me, and desired satisfaction: at which I was more puzzled than at the other, remembering what mention your familiar makes of those that had lost their lives on such occasions. The thing is referred to your judgment, and I expect you to be my second, since you have been the cause of our quarrel. I am,
"Sir,