Only with the greatest difficulty were they prevented from tearing each other to pieces.
At this unseemly disturbance, Mr.Kecskerey rushed in with a very alarmed expression of face, forced his way through the ranks of the wranglers, and, assuming his most imposing manner, exclaimed with a voice that rang out like a clarion, "Respect the sanctity of my house!" This intervention brought the combatants to their senses.

They began to recognize that this was not the place for adjusting affairs of honour.
The appeal to the sanctity of Mr.Kecskerey's house also did something to restore the good-humour of the majority.

Fennimore and Abellino were therefore advised by their friends to go home, and settle their little matter the next morning.

They departed accordingly, and the company was disturbed no more.

A few minutes afterwards every one knew that Fennimore and Abellino had quarrelled at cards, but every one pretended that he knew nothing at all about it.
* * * * * But the quarrel in the card-room of Mr.Kecskerey's establishment had serious consequences for both the principal disputants.