Necessity of Female Duelling;’ and that he had demonstrated, beyond a possibility of doubt, that civilized society could not exist half a century longer without this necessary improvement. I had prodigious deference for the masculine superiority, as I thought it, of Harriot’s understanding. She was a philosopher, and a fine lady--I was only a fine lady; I had never fired a pistol in my life, and I was a little inclined to cowardice; but Harriot offered to bet any wager upon the steadiness of my hand, and assured me that I should charm all beholders in male attire. In short, as my second, if I would furnish her with proper credentials, she swore she would undertake to furnish me with clothes, and pistols, and courage, and every thing I wanted. I sat down to pen my challenge. When I was writing it, my hand did not tremble _much_--not more than my Lord Delacour’s always does. The challenge was very prettily worded: I believe I can repeat it. “‘Lady Delacour presents her compliments to Mrs. Luttridge--she is informed that Mrs. L---- wishes she were a man, that she might be qualified to take _proper_ notice of Lady D----‘s conduct. Lady Delacour begs leave to assure Mrs. Luttridge, that though she has the misfortune to be a woman, she is willing to account for her conduct in any manner Mrs. L---- may think proper, and at any hour and place she may appoint. Lady D---- leaves the choice of the weapons to Mrs. L----. Mrs. H. Freke, who has the honour of presenting this note, is Lady Delacour’s _friend_ upon this occasion.’