"But I tell you, I am trying to find out what the matter is that you need my help in."
"I beg pardon. I thought you were telling me an adventure of your own"—
"Well sir, this beautiful critter asked my help, just as you're doing—dragged me hither and thither, first asking for one soldier, then another."
"And finally, smiling very sweetly on yourself. I know their ways—said the stranger.
"Do you, now? Not joking?—Oh lord! the sooner the better, for such lips to smile with, are not met with every day. Well sir, then there came up a puppy fellow of the name of Chatterton."
"Oh, Chatterton!" said the stranger; "that is curious."
"And insulted us, either her or me I forget which; but I blew him up, and he said he would send a friend to me"—here a new thought seemed to strike Mr Clam—his countenance assumed a very anxious expression—"you're not his friend, sir?" he asked.
"No sir; far from it. He is the very person with whom I have the quarrel."
"You've quarrelled with him too? Another breach of promise?—a wild dog that Chatterton."
"Another breach! I did not know that that was your cause of quarrel."