“Yes; everything. I'll carry these candles for you;” and he arose and preceded her to his study. “I wish he would not mix old Fossbrooke in the affair. I hope he'll not name him as his friend.” “I have already thought of that,” said she, as she sat down at the table and began to write. After a few seconds she said, “This will do, I think:-- “'Sir,--I have just learned from my wife how grossly insulting was your conduct towards her yesterday, on the occasion of her calling at Sir Brook Fossbrooke's house. The shame and distress in which she returned here would fully warrant any chastisement I might inflict upon you; but for the sake of the cloth you wear, I offer you the alternative which I would extend to a man of honor, and desire you will meet me at once with a friend. I shall leave by the morning packet for Holyhead, and be found at the chief hotel, Bangor, where, waiting your pleasure, I am your obedient servant. “'I hope it is needless to say that my wife's former guardian, Sir B. F., should not be chosen to act for you on this occasion.'” “I don't think I'd say that about personal chastisement. People don't horsewhip nowadays.” “So much the worse. I would leave it there, however. It will insult him like a blow.” “Oh, he's ready enough,--he'll not need poking to rouse his pluck. I'll say that for him.” “And yet I half suspect he 'll write some blundering sort of apology; some attempt to show that I was mistaken. I know--I know it as well as if I saw it--he 'll not fire at you.” “What makes you think that?” “He could n't. It would be impossible for him.” “I 'm not so sure of that. There's something very provocative in the sight of a pistol muzzle staring at one a few paces off. _I'd_ fire at my father if I saw him going to shoot at me.” “I think _you_ would,” said she, dryly. “Sit down and copy that note. We must send it by a messenger at once.” “I don't think you put it strongly enough about old Foss-brooke. I 'd have said distinctly,--I object to his acting on account of his close and intimate connection with my wife's family.” “No, no; leave it all as it stands. If we begin to change, we shall never have an end of the alterations.” “If I believed he would not fire at me, I'd not shoot him,” said Sewell, biting the end of his pen. “He 'll not fire the first time; but if you go on to a second shot, I'm certain he will aim at you.” “I'll try and not give him this chance, then,” said he, laughing. “Remember,” added he, “I'm promising to cross the Channel, and I have not a pound in my pocket.” “Write that, and I 'll go fetch you the money,” said she, leaving the room; and, passing out through the hall and the front door, she put her arm and hand into a large marble vase, several of which stood on the terrace, and drew forth the pocket-book which Sir Brook had given her, and which she had secretly deposited there as she entered the house. “There, that's done,” said he, handing her his note as she came in.