Ha--ha--ha! The idea
of your championing this wanton jade! It's too good a joke--'pon honour,
it is--but since you will have it so--why----"
His hand went to his side, and the next moment his sword flashed in the
crimson light of the coloured lamps. Just then Jarvis and another man
interposed, and the latter caught Dorrimore's sword arm.
"Forbear, gentlemen!" cried Jarvis. "If you must fight, don't let it be
here. In public 'twould be little better than a vulgar brawl."
"Let me alone," shouted Dorrimore. "He struck me and in the devil's name
he shall answer it."
"Whenever you please. I did but defend the lady whom this coward
insulted," said Vane, pale, and speaking in a voice low and vibrating
with passion.
He felt a pressure on his arm and heard in soft tones:
"Thank you, but you mustn't risk your life for me. Come away."
"What, and leave the fellow's challenge unanswered. Never! Sir, I am at
your command. When and where you please."
"Don't be a fool, Vane--Sally's not worth it," whispered Jarvis. "Don't
you know she's any man's money?"
For a moment Vane wavered as though Jarvis had convinced him. In the
meantime Dorrimore had sheathed his sword and stepping close to Vane in
front of Sally Salisbury, he said, dropping his voice so that Sally
should not hear:
"Your friend's right. If we fight it should be over somebody better than
a common trull.
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