"Yet there has always been fighting," said my companion.
"Yes," I assented.
"Then we must be ready for it."
But I was not prepared in this case with my answer.
"Suppose we were unjustly attacked?" said Mr. Thorold; and I thought every one of the gilt buttons on his grey jacket repelled the idea of a peaceable composition.
"I don't know," said I, pondering. "Why should the rule be different for nations and for individual people?"
"What is your rule for individual people?" he asked, laugh
ing, and looking down at me, as he held the gate open. I can see the look and the attitude now.
"It is not my rule," I said.
"The rule, then. What should a man do, Miss Randolph, when he is unjustly attacked?"