"Now, Mr. Webb," he continued after a long preamble, "of course I am not to judge of the propriety of any words you may think fit to use; but, I am afraid I must admit in this case, a somewhat--I must say a somewhat unwarranted allusion was made to my friend. Such I can assure you is the general opinion. Now, if you will allow me to say as much, I think,--I cannot but think, you were right--perfectly right--in not disclaiming such an allusion, having once made it; but I trust, indeed I feel confident, that a man of your acknowledged sense, and general character as a man of the world, will not object to give me a line--a mere line will suffice--addressed to myself; I wouldn't ask you in such a matter to write to Mr. Brown--a mere line, just stating that you regret having said anything in your fervour which should hurt any one's feelings. The matter you know is now in my hands, and I pledge myself that shall suffice; I really think such a bagatelle as that cannot be objectionable to you. Were I in your place, I can assure you, Mr. Webb, as a man of honour, I should be delighted to do the same." "Were you in my place, Major Longsword," replied the Counsellor, "you would, no doubt, act with more judgment than I shall do; but without wishing to say anything offensive to you, I may as well assure you at once that I will give no letter to any one on the subject." "But, Mr. Webb, you cannot deny or justify the allusion--the very pointed allusion?" "I certainly shall not deny it; indeed to you, Major Longsword, I have no objection to acknowledge it." "And yet you'll not just state your regret--in a note to myself mind! Why, Mr. Webb, you can't but regret it; you can't desire bloodshed." "Indeed, Major, I do not regret it. Your friend considered himself at liberty to accuse me in private--not by name, but by allusion, as you say--of certain feelings and opinions derogatory to me. I have retaliated in public. I believe now you will own that I consult your convenience best by telling you that Major Macdonnel, of Tramore, is my friend in this matter. He will make all arrangements with you for the immediate termination of this affair." "I shall be proud to see the Major; but still let me hope, Mr. Webb, that this little affair may be arranged. As a magistrate, and as a man, I may say, not exactly in your _premiere jeunesse_--" "As a magistrate, and as a man not exactly, as you say, in my _premiere jeunesse_, for I was fifty yesterday, let me assure you that if Mr. Brown intends to call me out, I shall go out. If he intends to let me alone, I shall be better pleased to be let alone; as for a word, or a line of retractation or apology, I will not give it." "But, Mr. Webb--" "Forgive me for interrupting you, but allow me to suggest that any further remarks you may have to make on the subject had better be made to my friend, Major Macdonnel." "Would you allow me to put it to you in another light? Suppose now--"