“Disgrace, in an intolerable form! A man thus degraded would be driven from society, branded with the stigma of cowardice, and blasted with the scorn of all honorable men.” “That, truly, were a fate to be deprecated; though a man of sober judgment might urge that even such a fate is nothing compared to what awaits those who throw themselves, uncalled and unprepared, into the presence of their Maker. But is what you say _true_? Does such dishonor involve such consequences?” “Unquestionably it does!” “Stop a moment. Let us consider this. You say the man would be driven from society: tell me, by whom?” “By public opinion.” “And the same agent would brand him a coward and blast him with universal scorn?” “Even so.” “This public opinion, I take it, is the united opinion of that class whom you designate by the phrase _all honorable men_?” “It is.” “Very well. I wish now to ascertain the practical operation of public opinion. Supposing you were this dishonored individual: who, as the Scripture hath it, would cast the first stone at you? Who would take the initiative in banishing, branding and scorning you—would your father have done it?” “No, certainly not.” “Would your mother?” “No.” “Would the lady you love—or _any_ lady on the face of the earth?” “No.” “Would any of the old respectable inhabitants—your father’s companions and equals?” “No.” “Would any of those who, by common consent, form the respectable and estimable portion of the community?” “No.” “Would not, rather, all these to whom I have referred, applaud you for refusing deliberately to give or receive a death-wound in a quarrel; and honor you for daring to _practice_ what every sensible man has _preached_ since the world began?” “Perhaps they might.” “Then will you tell me, identically, _who_ would inflict on you the penalties of this imaginary dishonor? _Who_ would pronounce you disgraced and point at you as a coward?” “Why, Wilson, and Fred Stanly, and Jack Smith, and Jim Brown, and every body.” “What are they?” “Gentlemen.” “What is a gentleman?” “One who has, or had, or expects to have a plenty of cash—who has no particular vocation—who carries a rattan, wears long hair, and goes to all the fashionable parties.” “I have but two questions more to ask: supposing you are killed in this duel: what would be the consequences _to others_?” “My mother would die of a broken heart; and Kate—God knows what would become of her!” “Supposing, on the contrary, you should kill your antagonist?” “If I were not arrested and hanged according to law, I should be obliged to quit the country and bear, ever, in my bosom the remorse and on my brow the mark of a murderer.” “One thing more: are you not heartily ashamed of your present purpose?” Before Harry could reply, Stanley stood at his side and awakened him by saying: “Come, Harry, you will be too late!”