"The man who tries to beat my trotter," said she. "Well, we have played and lost."
Yes, lost; for that artful gamester, Mason, after his arrest had taken Levison aside and put it to that bold operator that his aunt's object was to break up the duel, and that she would pay any claim to do it, but if he was detained by the writs of Levi and Walker the opportunity was lost. He agreed to give Levison a pre-dated note for two hundred and fifty dollars for one hundred and twenty-five dollars cash if he (Levison) would release him from the present arrest. We know the result. Instead of stopping her nephew, Aunt Fanny had lent him wings to fly. While the lawyer explained this the bell rang and a card—Deane Lee, to see Captain Nettles—was brought in.
"Who is Deane Lee?" she asked.
"How fortunate!" said the lawyer. "It is Mr. Nettles's second."
"We can appeal to his feelings," said the dowager.
"Do," said he. "I will remain outside, and use an appeal men of his sort understand better."
"Pray be seated, Captain Lee," said the dowager.
"This," thought Lee, "is the lady who made the duel: she looks game to carry it through;" but he only bowed.
"I may be the first to inform you," said she, "that my nephew will necessarily require a postponement of his affair with your friend. We hope to have your help, sir."
Deane fingered his cap and bowed again.