Volume Ii Part 3 (1/2)
”And G.o.d grant your peace with him is made up too!” said the clergyman, turning sorrowfully away towards the Captain, whom he thus addressed:
”Unhappy young man, ere it is too late, forgive your enemy--you will leave this ground with your hands stained in a fellow creature's blood, or--”
”Really, Mr. Power, it is not unlikely _I_ may be shot, you are premature.”
”And dare you meet your Maker with all your sins full blown--dare you hurry unprepared--”
”Mr. Power, you came here to dine, and not to preach--Heaven knows you have time enough on Sunday--so you had better keep your sermons for those who will listen to them.”
”UnG.o.dly man, I tremble for you--”
”It is more than I do for myself. Come, stow your sermons, old Squaretoes, and for G.o.d's sake, if I am to be knocked off, let me end my life in peace. I'd rather stand at a cannon's mouth than yours--Lord knows which breathes hottest!”
Cast down, but not vanquished, Mr. Power next attempted the Earl.
”For the love of Heaven, my Lord, use your authority to put down this breach of G.o.d's laws, and man's also; let not murder take place in sight of your castle.”
”I am very sorry I have no power in this matter at all, beyond seeing everything is done as it should be--else I would not be here. My motto is let every man mind his own business--you should apply to the duellists.”
”I have, my Lord, and woefully I have been served.”
”Then, Mr. Power, I have no chance in the world.”
”Lord Arranmore, will you not use your influence?”
”What in the devil's name have I to do with it?--besides I have a bet of 50_l._ on the affair, so am not likely to stop it if I could.”
”I wonder to see you patronizing such a meeting, Mr. Power; however, I suppose you are like your lay-brethren, and curiosity overcomes consistency,” said Frank.
”Come, Mr. Ravensworth,--come, Mr. Lennox,--let us leave this G.o.dless crew--I have done my duty at least.”
”I am much obliged, but must certainly stay,” said Mr. Lennox, who had no idea of missing the first hostile meeting he had ever come in for. ”I am a bit of a doctor, Mr. Power, and my presence may be required--there's Johnny Ravensworth, however, too juvenile for such entertainments.”
”Come, my boy,” said Mr. Ravensworth; ”come along with us,” following Mr. Power as he spoke.
”Mayn't I stay, papa?” Then in an under tone, ”Confound Mr. Lennox; he is glad enough to find an excuse, and vents his anger on me.”
”No, my boy; come along directly. Do you hear me?”
”Let the boy stay, Mr. Ravensworth,” said the Marquis. ”It is well to accustom them early to this sort of thing!”
”My Lord, I wonder at you. When you have been a father as long as I have you will think otherwise.”
”I'faith, were my boy a little older he should have been here,” answered the Irishman.
”You had better go, Johnny,” said the Earl. ”Always obey your father.
Sir Harry, here, will tell you discipline is the mother of all good soldiering.”
”Indeed is it, my lad; now, quick march; you are delaying the encounter.
And, by my stars! it is cold work halting in the snow. I had rather be over that excellent punch, all spoiling,” said Sir Harry.