"Really, it is very unpleasant to be interrupted in one's first sleep," said a young man; rising from the sofa where he had been lying,—"what are you quarrelling about? I meant to have slept till supper. Come, let me be peacemaker.
"Never," said Walter; "but, perhaps, Lord Alfred, you will explain to Sir George, that his refusing to meet to-night will not tell to his credit to-morrow."
"Lord Alfred," replied Sir George, "will also have the goodness to state by whom the challenge was given—by my secretary, my hireling, my dependant."
"Not the last," interrupted Maynard; "I scorn you too much to depend upon you."
"Really," replied Sir George, "this farce grows tiresome. Mr. Maynard, I order you to leave the room."
"You have no right to order me. Give me the satisfaction to which I am so justly entitled, or I will force you to it."
"I defy you," replied the other, with a sneer.
