Lord Lovel would meet him; for, if he refused, he must take another
method with him.

Lord Clifford was desirous to know the grounds of the quarrel; but Sir
Philip declined entering into particulars at present, assuring him of
a full information hereafter. He then sent M. Zadisky, attended by John
Wyatt, and a servant of Lord Clifford, with a letter to Lord Lovel; the
contents were as follow:--

"My Lord Lovel,--Sir Philip Harclay earnestly desires to see you at the
house of Lord Clifford, where he waits to call you to account for the
injuries done by you to the late Arthur Lord Lovel, your kinsman; If you
accept his demand, he will make the Lord Clifford a witness and a judge
of the cause; if not, he will expose you publicly as a traitor and a
coward. Please to answer this letter, and he will acquaint you with the
time, place, and manner of the meeting.

"PHILIP HARCLAY."

Zadisky presented the letter to Lord Lovel, informing him that he was
the friend of Sir Philip Harclay. He seemed surprised and confounded at
the contents; but, putting on an haughty air, "I know nothing," said
he, "of the business this letter hints at; but wait a few hours, and I
will give you an answer." He gave orders to treat Zadisky as a gentleman
in every respect, except in avoiding his company; for the Greek had
a shrewd and penetrating aspect, and he observed every turn of his
countenance. The next day he came and apologized for his absence, and
gave him the answer; sending his respects to the Lord Clifford. The
messengers returned with all speed, and Sir Philip read the answer
before all present.

"Lord Lovel knows not of any injuries done by him to the late Arthur
Lord Lovel, whom he succeeded by just right of inheritance; nor of any
right Sir Philip Harclay has, to call to account a man to whom he is
barely known, having seen him only once, many years ago, at the house of
his uncle, the old Lord Lovel: Nevertheless, Lord Lovel will not suffer
any man to call his name and honour into question with impunity; for
which reason he will meet Sir Philip Harclay at any time, place, and in
what manner he shall appoint, bringing the same number of friends and
dependents, that justice may be done to all parties.

"LOVEL."

"'Tis well," said Sir Philip; "I am glad to find he has the spirit to
meet me; he is an enemy worthy of my sword."

Lord Clifford then proposed that both parties should pass the borders,
and obtain leave of the ward