He walked down the street and looked at the few shops there; he saw Captain Glanders at the window of the Reading-room, and having taken a good stare at that gentleman, he wagged his head at him in token of satisfaction; he inquired the price of meat at the butcher's with an air of the greatest interest, and asked "when was next killing day ?" he flattened his little nose against Madame Fribsby's window to see if haply there was a pretty workwoman in her premises; but there was no face more comely than the doll's or dummy's wearing the French cap in the window, only that of Madame Fribsby herself, dimly visible in the parlour, reading a novel.

That object was not of sufficient interest to keep Mr.Foker very long in contemplation, and so having exhausted the town and the inn stables, in which there were no cattle, save the single old pair of posters that earned a scanty livelihood by transporting the gentry round about to the county dinners, Mr.Foker was giving himself up to ennui entirely, when a messenger from Mr.Hobnell was at length announced.
It was no other than Mr.Wapshot himself, who came with an air of great indignation, and holding Pen's missive in his hand, asked Mr.Foker "how dared he bring such an unchristian message as a challenge to a boy of his school ?" In fact Pen had written a note to his adversary of the day before, telling him that if after the chastisement which his insolence richly deserved, he felt inclined to ask the reparation which was usually given amongst gentlemen, Mr.Arthur Pendennis's friend, Mr.Henry Foker, was empowered to make any arrangements for the satisfaction of Mr.Hobnell.
"And so he sent you with the answer--did he, sir ?" Mr.Foker said, surveying the Schoolmaster in his black coat and clerical costume.
"If he had accepted this wicked challenge, I should have flogged him," Mr.Wapshot said, and gave Mr.Foker a glance which seemed to say, "and I should like very much to flog you too." "Uncommon kind of you, sir, I'm sure," said Pen's emissary.

"I told my principal that I didn't think the other man would fight," he continued with a great air of dignity.

"He prefers being flogged to fighting, sir, I dare say.

May I offer you any refreshment, Mr.?
I haven't the advantage of your name." "My name is Wapshot, sir, and I am Master of the Grammar School of this town, sir," cried the other: "and I want no refreshment, sir, I thank you, and have no desire to make your acquaintance, sir." "I didn't seek yours, sir, I'm sure," replied Mr.Foker.