But his Grace fumed the redder.
"I don't understand how a man of your intelligence, Barker, can go and put people into such awkward positions," he said.

"I think it is perfectly idiotic." "Write me down an ass, by all means," said Barker calmly; "but please explain what you mean.

I told you not to buy in the Green Swash Mine, and now I suppose you have gone and done it, because I said it might possibly be active some day." "I have been to see the Countess this morning," said the Duke, beating the dust from his thick walking-boot with his cane.
"Ah!" said Barker, without any show of interest.

"Was she at home ?" "I should think so," said the Duke.

"Very much at home, and Dr.Claudius was there too." "Oh! so you are jealous of Claudius, are you ?" The ducal wrath rose.
"Barker, you are insufferably ridiculous." "Duke, you had much better go to bed," returned his friend.
"Look here, Barker--" "Do not waste your vitality in that way," said the American.