There was, notwithstanding all efforts to the contrary, a feeling of embarrassment between the parties; and much common-place talk was uttered at awkward little intervals, before any allusion was made to the transaction of the preceding evening. Sloper at length said:
“Trimmerstone, I have been endeavouring to make an arrangement with our young friend to let us have our revenge. When will it suit you to meet us? Will to-morrow night be convenient?”
Now it happened that his lordship had already written his name on several inconvenient pieces of paper and in connexion with certain ugly figures, and he was not very desirous of multiplying and enlarging these perplexities. He would have been happy to have his revenge; but it appeared very probable that the only revenge which he should be likely to obtain, would be to inflict on the person of Mr. Singleton Sloper the castigation of a horsewhip.
“I cannot say this moment; but if you will step home with me, Sloper, I will see how my engagements stand, and give you an answer; which you may communicate to our friend.”
Mr. Singleton Sloper did not much approve of this arrangement, but was, nevertheless, unwilling to exhibit any strong symptoms of disapprobation. He only said:
“I will follow you in half an hour.”
This, however, would not answer his lordship’s purpose, for he was very desirous of ascertaining the nature of those papers which Sloper had just received from the young gentleman.
“Oh no, come with me now, for I have an engagement an hour hence.”
Thus saying, his lordship took Singleton by the arm and led him away, saying to the young stranger, “You shall hear by my friend Mr. Sloper, when it will be convenient to have another meeting.”
Sloper had very little suspicion that his lordship entertained any ideas unfavorable to his integrity. But though he had little suspicion, he was not altogether free from such unpleasant thoughts. As the two worthies therefore walked together, there was much constraint in their manners, and every effort to get rid of it only made the matter worse. His lordship felt more and more convinced that all was not right; but he had some difficulty in making his decision how to act, so as to ensure conviction if he was right, and to avoid an awkward quarrel if he was wrong.