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guments to which a rational man should resort," quoth Philip, with firmness; "not that, if occasion demand it, you will find me shrink from either."

"Don't wrong me so far, as to think I would have call'd you out, if I had thought you would not fight."

Philip bow'd and proceeded.

"At present, I ask you to declare, as a gentleman, in what you conceive I have given you offence?"

"I'll tell you. In the first place, Mr. Travers, you must remember (if your memory is not sieve-like) that not long ago (at the Cocoa-Tree) you threw out some certain jokes, at the expence of my countrymen― such as laughing at their blunders-which was not very liberal, I think."

"Sir Arthur," replied Philip, " at the same time that I would shun risking my life. in any trivial dispute, I would not utter a falsehood to save it. I recollect the circumstance you allude to, perfectly well-though I had not an idea of it's ever being brought forward again. I, certainly, was merry at the expense of your countrymen; but, you

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LxCss soon as th seat na withcamuss a visit ( Duisines.. TIG of compliment. I have bec. nono&ietter from you, Sir Arthu. anc, vnet. I proter to won that I am total ignorant of that wherewith you have thoug proper to charge me, I think, I am auth rised to demand an explanation."

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will believe I had no malice in what I utter'd, when I concluded by observing"the goodness of their hearts made ample amends for any little deficiency there might be in their heads."

ley;

"So far I am satisfied," replied O'Brad"but my other cause of complaint is · of a more serious nature-The lady, Mr. Travers-how will you get over that?"

"Without some farther elucidation on your part, I shall be hamper'd-as I am ignorant who the lady is, between whom and yourself I stand."

"Indeed!--Don't you know Mrs. Bentinck, of Upper Baker-Street? Your visits are pretty frequent, considering you have no knowledge of the dear little crature."

"Here your accusation is brought with more justice. I, certainly, have the pleasure to be on terms of the strictest intimacy, and the strictest honor, with that lady. To the present moment I have been unconscious of any pretensions you might have there; but, had I known them, I will tell you with the like candor, that (while my hopes flatter'd me with success) they would

not have intimidated me in the pursuit. If this be your ground of quarrel, Sir Arthur, you may seek your remedy, for I shall, atsuredly, give you the meeting you have required, rather than give you the lady."

"Upon my faith! young jontleman, you speak fairly and openly," rejoin'd the baronet. "I had been taught to believe you had dealt rather unfairly, with regard to the lady in question. As it is, let him wear her, who wins her-every young fellow, like you and myself, is after a petticoat-and the loser must consider his fortune " as the fortune of war;' as we say in French-I ask your pardon for my suspicions; and entreat that we may dine, together, at the Prince of Wales.-I have, Irishman-like, a bad head; but I don't care if that were found in the next kennel, so long as my heart stays where it ought to be; and, believe me, Mr. Travers, I had much rather draw a dozen corks with a man, in the way of friendship, than one trigger against him, as an enemy.

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"I am satisfied," quoth Philip; and, as it is much pleasanter to smell roast beef than

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