"Indeed, sir! that is a circumstance with which I am wholly unconcerned. No doubt the same thing might be said by other gentlemen in this company." "I knew that young lady, my lord, long before you did. It was my deliberate purpose, long ago, to make her my wife when the opportunity arrived----" "The time has come," resumed Lord Chudleigh, "but not the man----" "I say, it was my fixed intention to marry Miss Pleydell. I did not, my lord, form these resolutions lightly, nor abandon them without sufficient reason. It is still my resolution. I say that you shall not stand between me and my future wife!" "Indeed! But suppose Miss Pleydell refuses to give her consent to this arrangement? Surely such a resolve, however laudable, demands the consent of the other party." "Miss Pleydell will not refuse my hand when you have left her. Abandon a field, my lord, which never belonged to yourself----" "Tut, tut!" said Lord Chudleigh. "This, sir, is idle talk. You cannot seriously imagine----" "I seriously imagine that, if necessary, I will make my way to that young lady over your lordship's body, if you stand in my way." Lord Chudleigh took off his hat and bowed low. "Then, sir, the sooner you take the first step in the pursuance of your resolution the better. I will bar your way upon the Downs at any time you may appoint." Harry returned the obeisance. "I wait your lordship's convenience," he said. "My convenience shall be yours, Mr. Temple. For it is you who desire to run me through, not I you. Have your own way." "It is late to-night," said Harry, now quite calm, though with a hot flush upon his cheek. "Your lordship would like to rest. Perhaps to-morrow, after breakfast, while the ladies are at morning prayer." Oh, the bloodthirsty wretch! Lord Chudleigh bowed again. "That time, Mr. Temple, will I dare say suit the convenience of my second." The code of honour, be it observed, does not allow the exhibition of any emotion of horror, remorse, or repugnance, when you arrange to commit that private murder which gentlemen call a duel. Lord Chudleigh bowed once more, and left his adversary. He walked across the Terrace to the card-room, where Sir Miles was alone with the scattered packs of cards. When he came out, he bowed a third time, and walked slowly away. I hope that, in his own chamber, he reflected on the wickedness of the appointment he had made, and on its possible consequences. Sir Miles threw away the cards, and came out rubbing his eyes. "Ods my life, sir!" he said, addressing Harry Temple, who, now that the mischief was done, looked somewhat sheepish, though dignified. The few gentlemen who were left drew nearer, anxious to lose nothing of what might happen. English people of all ranks love above all things to watch a quarrel or a fight, whatever be the weapons.