y well right, and it was as neat and prettily-planted a blow as ever
I did see put in. One--two! one--two! one--two! that was about it," he
continued; as, tucking his whip under his saddle-flap, and laying the
reins upon the pommel, he began to square with his fists in imitation of
the blow he had seen delivered. "He's learned the noble art of
self-defence, safe. One--two! one--two! one--two! Hold up, will yer!"
he shouted, for in his excitement he had rammed one spur against his
horse's side, and the poor animal had plunged sharply so as to nearly
unseat his rider, who now gathered up his reins, and cantered after his
mistress.

He had not ridden far before he came upon Brace Norton, apparently
watching for him, in the middle of the road, and ready to slip a
crown-piece into his hand.

"I think, my man," said Brace, quietly, "that it would be as well if the
little unpleasantly you saw between Lord Maudlaine and me were not
talked about up there at the Castle."

"Dumb as a jockey, sir," said the groom, striking himself over the mouth
as he spoke; "but--you won't be affronted, sir?"

"Affronted!--no. What is it?" said Brace, smiling.

"If you'd--if you'd take that crown back, sir--" hesitated the man.

"Take it back? Nonsense! Keep it, my lad."

"And just show me how to give that blow, sir. 'Pon my word, sir, I'd
rather know that than have half-a-dozen crowns. I never did see such a
settler!"

Brace laughed, and strode on hurriedly, shaking his head.

"Ride on, my man," he said. "Your mistress is a long way ahead."

"That's true enough," said the groom to himself, as he looked after the
retiring figure; "but he put him down just like a sack o' chaff, that he
did; and my lord didn't like it, neither. I'm blest!" he exclaimed,
slapping his thigh, and checking his horse suddenly. "Don't say nothing
up at the Castle, which I won't; but if there don't come coffee and
pistols out of this job, I'm a Dutchman!"

Book 2, Chapter XIV.

MAGNANIMITY.

"Lord Maudlaine presents his compliments to Lieutenant Norton, and begs
to say, that although Lieutenant Norton's behaviour has been such that
the meeting in such cases necessitated by wounded honour may seem
absolutely imperative, yet, feeling compassion for his youth and
inexperience, Lord Maudlaine is willing to forego the customary
arrangement on one condition--namely, that Lieutenant Norton immediately
quit Merland, and in no way, previous to his depart