“There's that horrid Jem Hardy,” she said, suddenly, as they walked along the road.
“So it is,” said Master Nugent, but without any display of enthusiasm.
“Halloa, Jack,” shouted Master Hardy across the road.
“The suspense became painful.”
“Halloa,” responded the other.
“He's going to fight you,” shrilled Miss Nugent, who thought these amenities ill-timed; “he said so.”
Master Hardy crossed the road. “What for?” he demanded, with surprise.
“Because you're a nasty, horrid boy,” replied Miss Nugent, drawing herself up.
“Oh,” said Master Hardy, blankly.
The two gentlemen stood regarding each other with uneasy grins; the lady stood by in breathless expectation. The suspense became painful.