"
"How dare you, sir, refer to my conduct, or presume to criticize or
question it?" he burst out.
"Ta, ta, ta! It is a real pleasure to me to tell you what I think of
you, Lord Blackadder; and as I am ready to give you every
satisfaction, I shall not stint myself."
"I insist upon satisfaction."
"By all means. It can be easily arranged. We are within a short step
of either France or Italy, and in both countries the old-fashioned
plan of settling affairs of honour is still in force. We shall find
friendly seconds in the nearest garrison town, and I shall be glad to
cross the frontier with you whenever you please."
"You talk like the hectoring, swashbuckling bully that you are," he
cried angrily, but looking rather uncomfortable.... "I will swear the
peace against you."
"Do so by all means. It would be like you. A man who would descend to
espionage, who could so cruelly misuse a lady, is capable of anything;
of making assertions he cannot substantiate, of threatening things he
dare not do."
"I have the clearest proof of what I say. You have chosen to come into
my life--"
"I should be extremely sorry to do so.
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