The cause was nothing very extraordinary, but the effect had nearly proved fatal to his Lordship." "What, was he wounded ?" enquired Tom.
"It was thought so at first," replied the _Peruquier_, "but it was afterwards discovered that his Lordship had only fainted at the report of his opponent's pistol." "Ha! ha! ha!" said Tom, "then it was a bloodless battle--but I should like to know more of the particulars." "Hold your head a little more this way, Sir, if you please--that will do, I thank you, Sir;--why, it appears, that in attempting to fulfil an assignation with Mr.Webb's wife, the husband, who had got scent of the appointment, as to place and time, lustily cudgelled the dandy Lord Whiskerphiz, and rescued his own brows from certain other fashionable appendages, for which he had no relish.

His Lordship's whiskers were injured, by which circumstance some people might conceive his features and appearance must have been improved, however that was not his opinion; his bones were sore, and his mind (that is to say, as the public supposed) hurt.

The subject became a general theme of conversation, a Commoner had thrashed a Lord!--flesh and blood could not bear it--but then such flesh and blood could as little bear the thought of a duel--Lord Polly was made the bearer of a challenge--a meeting took place, and at the first fire his Lordship fell.

A fine subject for the caricaturists, and they have not failed to make a good use of it.

The fire of his Lordship's features ~54~~was so completely obscured by his whiskers and mustachios, that it was immediately concluded the shot had proved mortal, till Lord Polly (who had taken refuge for safety behind a neighbouring tree) advancing, drew a bottle from his pocket, which, upon application to his nose, had the desired effect of restoring the half-dead duellist to life and light.