"As how affected? pardon me."
"By the world's opinion," said Rossitur; "which stamps every man with something worse than infamy who cannot protect his own standing."
"That is to say," said Mr. Carleton, seriously, "that Captain Rossitur will punish a fool's words with death, or visit the last extremity of distress upon those who are dearest to him, rather than leave the world in any doubt of his prowess."
"Mr. Carleton!" said Rossitur, colouring "what do you mean by speaking so, Sir?"
"Not to displease you, Captain Rossitur."
"Then you count the world's opinion for nothing?"
"For less than nothing compared with the regards I have named."
"You would brave it without scruple?"
"I do not call him a brave man who would not, Sir."
"I remember," said Charlton, half laughing "you did it yourself once; and I must confess I believe nobody thought you lost anything by it."