Mr. Vere stared at him for a few moments, and then laughed.
"You carry it off very well, I must confess," said he. "But there is no need for you to affect such complete ignorance. I give you my word that every one acquits you of blame in the matter--nay, I am assured that the meeting was inevitable; but I doubt not there is no one more ready than yourself to rejoice that your adversary was not severely wounded."
"'Tis a source of boundless satisfaction to me to learn so much from your lips, sir," said Dick. "And if you could see your way to add to my obligation by making me acquainted with the name of my antagonist, I would never forget your kindness."
"Upon my soul, you carry it off very well! I dare swear that Mr. Garrick, for all his reputation, could not do it much better," said Mr. Vere. "But your acting is wasted, Mr. Sheridan; I tell you that the general opinion in Bath is that your act was highly commendable. Pray, Sheridan, tell me in confidence what was the exact nature of the affront put upon your brother--apart, of course, from the question of the lady; I promise you that 'twill go no further!"
"Look you here, Mr. Vere," said Dick, "I do not mind being made a fool of up to a certain point--there is no positive disgrace in being a fool in Bath, one finds oneself in such congenial company,--but I tell you, sir, I will not suffer any one to go beyond a certain distance with me, and you are going perilously close to my frontier with these compliments of yours. Come, sir, tell me plainly, what do you mean by suggesting that I have been concerned in a duel, and with whom do you suggest I have been fighting?"
"What, sir, do you mean to say that you have not just fought a duel with Mr. Long on behalf of your brother?"
"Yes, sir, I have no hesitation in affirming that I have fought no duel with Mr. Long or with any one else, either on behalf of my brother or any one else."
"Heavens! you surprise me, sir. Why, all Bath is talking----"
"Talking nonsense--that is the mother tongue of Bath; and so far as I can gather, you do not stand in need of a course of lessons in this particular language, Mr. Vere, and so I wish you good-morning, sir."
Mr. Vere's jaw fell. His usual alertness of manner disappeared before Dick's energetic rebuff. He did not even retain sufficient presence of mind to take off his hat when Dick made such a salutation, and walked quietly on.