"Prize, sir!" retorted Annie. "Do you talk of me as if I were your famous roan horse, or the city purse you expect it to win at Easter? Go to, sir! Certes, gentlemen, you honour me greatly by accounting me merely a sword-player's prize--the guerdon of a duello between two cut-throats! I am infinitely obliged to you," she added curtseying low. "But if you are determined to fight, O do so, good sirs," she continued, with a merry laugh; "but I am not for you, Finland, at all events." "Indeed! madam," rejoined Finland, as he bit his nether lip, and grasped his sword. "Craigdarroch, then, I presume is the favoured----" "Nor he either, quotha!" "Ha, ha!--ho, ho!" shouted Holsterlee. "May the great diabulus roast me in my own ribs if this isn't good! Who then, fair Annie?" "What is it to such as thee, sirrah?" she replied, stamping her pretty foot scornfully; but the beautiful rogue laughed as she added slowly, "I have not yet made up my mind whether to accept Sir Thomas Dalyel of the Binns, or that very accomplished cavalier----" "Who? who?" they all asked. "Lord Mersington." "Zounds!" laughed Holsterlee; "but that old cock hath a roost-hen already--a brave girl--a bouncer that can coquette and ruffle it, without snaffle or martingale; a thorough-pacer, by the Lord--ho, ho!" "As this is her choice," said Douglas, who perfectly understood the humour of his waggish mistress, "I think, Craigdarroch, we had better shake hands on't, as neither will be a winner in this affair." "Yes, yes--shake hands like whipped schoolboys, and quarrel no more. So, up with your rapiers!--or, as the comedy says, the dew will rust them. But as a penance on you, Mr. Douglas, for fighting without my express permission, I shall dance with the Laird of Craigdarroch, and no one else, while you lead out old Dame Drumsturdy, or some such witch, whose most devoted you must be for the remainder of the night." "How droll! O! I shall die with laughing," cried Lilian, clasping her hands with delight at this happy conclusion. "Nay--fair Annie," said Douglas, "under favour--I must implore----" "Not a word, sir, of extenuation or excuse. You shall walk a minuet with old Lady Drumsturdy, who is as charming as patches, puffs, and rouge can make her." Holsterlee laughed till the braces of his corslet started. "Tush! Annie--O by all the devils, I shall be the laughing-stock of the whole city." "I care not." "Gadzooks! I'll have a duel with old Dalyel next." "I care not. And, ah! Mr. Fenton, I must find a way to punish you too. But come, Lilian, love--Craigdarroch, your hand."