Moore, loath to relinquish his victory, decided to continue the battle of wits, and thus brought about his undoing in the moment of his triumph.
"Your little schoolmistress?" he repeated. "Have you become a scholar, Sir Percival?"
"To be taught by Mistress Dyke, I would become anything."
"Except honest," suggested Moore.
"Sir!" exclaimed his rival, angrily.
"Why, sir, if you are honest already, there is surely no need of change."
"He had you there, Percy," said Lord Brooking, joining the group.
"On the contrary, Brooking, Mistress Dyke has me here," replied Sir Percival, his anger cooled.
"We all have our troubles," observed Moore, plaintively, "even Mistress Dyke."
This was the baronet's opportunity, and he made good use of it.