“It’s rather difficult for me to speak to you, because I don’t know exactly what you’ve done to Belle; but I know it’s your doing, whatever it is, because you used to be her sweetheart, and now she says she shall never see you any more. You’ve broken her heart, and she wouldn’t eat any breakfast this morning, and mother says she will give up the stage; and I believe she’s been crying, though she won’t own to it. And I don’t think you’re a gentleman, Mr. Hammond.” Hammond’s head was drooping on his breast. “God knows that!” he muttered. “So I have come here to tell you that I consider you’ve no right to treat Belle like that, and I’m not going to stand it. And as soon as I’m old enough, I’m going to challenge you to a duel.” “My child!” The exclamation burst from the man unawares. Mr. Yorke turned very red. “I think it’s very offensive of you to call me that,” he said, wrathfully, “and it isn’t treating me as you ought to.” “I beg your pardon,” said the man, humbly. “And if you think,” Mr. Yorke went on fiercely, “that you can take advantage of my being young to refuse me satisfaction, I shall think you’re not very honorable, because you knew Belle had only me to protect her when you broke her heart. And I’ve come here to ask you, as a gentleman, to wait till I am twenty-one, so that I can fight you. It’s only eight years and two months, and I expect you to give me your word of honor that you will wait till then.” “I will wait.” “Thank you, sir.” Mr. Yorke became more friendly. “It’s only fair for me to tell you that I’m going to save up and buy a revolver and practise every day, so you had better do the same. I don’t want to take any advantage of you.” “You’re a brave fellow,” said Hammond. “Then I think that’s all. Good-morning, Mr. Hammond.” “Good-morning, Mr. Yorke.” Hammond rang the bell, and advanced to open the door of the room. Mr. Yorke was half-way out when he paused in the doorway. “I say, Mr. Hammond,” he said, his manner suddenly changing to thorough boyishness, “do you mind promising me, as a great favor, that you won’t tell mother or Belle about this, or they mightn’t let me buy the revolver?” Hammond bowed kindly. “I promise.” The footman appeared outside. “Show Mr. Yorke out.” Mr. Yorke, regaining his dignity, made his exit in state, leaving the two men looking at each other. “By Jove! that was a little trump!” Mauleverer burst out as the door closed. “Not much the matter with the modern child, after all.” Hammond nodded as he cast himself wearily into a chair. “Do you mind going now, old man?” he said, bluntly. Mauleverer sprang up with a sudden recollection, hurried out on to the pavement, hailed the nearest cab, and dashed off to Berkeley Square. SCENE XV A MISFORTUNE FOR SOCIETY Hammond was not left to himself for very long. The marchioness waited to give her nephew time to clear the way, and then took the field in person.