I am not his match at such weapons, and have reason to believe that few men are.' 'You do me a great deal of honour Haredale,' returned the other, most composedly, 'and I thank you.

I will be frank with you--' 'I beg your pardon--will be what ?' 'Frank--open--perfectly candid.' 'Hab!' cried Mr Haredale, drawing his breath.

'But don't let me interrupt you.' 'So resolved am I to hold this course,' returned the other, tasting his wine with great deliberation; 'that I have determined not to quarrel with you, and not to be betrayed into a warm expression or a hasty word.' 'There again,' said Mr Haredale, 'you have me at a great advantage.

Your self-command--' 'Is not to be disturbed, when it will serve my purpose, you would say'-- rejoined the other, interrupting him with the same complacency.
'Granted.

I allow it.