Fortune's My Foe

g after the retreating figure of his captured heiress. Then he turned slowly and began to retrace his steps to the Hautbois, where he

y well with him. A ruined spendthrift; a man who, seven years ago, had inherited a substantial fortune and, in the passage of those seven years

thereof; and he still thought her a fool after this evening's interview. That she should have fallen violently in love with him did not of course stamp her as one, since, in spite of his unfortunate chin, he deemed himself not only attractive, but irresistible. Y

ept sober till midday, could play the parson sufficiently well to throw dust in her eyes. But not in such a case as this should it be done. No. No! my beauteous Ariadne. Not in such a case as this. You shall be

ould sell for much if cut down. Yet--yet--we must not come to that. An avenue gives ever an impo

indifferent air as he strode along, and drew down his l

ng, was now drawing near, and Bufton decided that he had guessed aright when

tall and well-set, though perhaps his figure was not exhibited to its best advantage owing to a rolling gait. In his apparel he showed that he was a gentleman, his coat of blue cloth being of the best, while his lace, although not costly, was that which a per

ce so penetrating that the other whose nose was in the air, and whose chin was stuck out in front of him, knew well enough that he was being

e ground, the property of Miss Thorne?" For a moment the Beau could scarcely believe his ears. To be

ot possible that the lady you mention may occasionally receive v

this neighbourhood. But, since I happen to have a very strong and tender interest in Miss T

him that he didn't know himself. "You are not as clever as you think, my friend," he would say again and again; "you are not astute, and, indeed, without my assistance you would be but a sorry knave. Also, your absurd belief in your powers of ridicule, the use of which is always the mark of either an envious person or a f

e, the reticence on which he prided himself--and truly so in unimportant matters, though he co

ense when you state that you have a strong and tender interest in Miss Thorne.

ce seemed to assume a deeper hue--"you dare to speak thus to me--you jackanapes. Begone from off this place at once, ere

a clown might find a loophole for retaliation. Nor did he forget those axioms now, even though his blood boiled at being addressed as he had just been. But, on the other hand, none could be allowed to make such remarks to him--especially not he who had

, "you carry a sort of

. A good

you are of some standing; that I may cross swords wit

f knowing how to use a small sword. Come

new blade which, for the first time, he had hung by his side to-night, and put himself upon his guard. Yet he could have wished that his calm and dignified manner had more favourably impressed his antagonist, a

hat you have a tender interest in Miss Th

dare to mention her name again. Have at you!

ry one of his choicest thrusts--even Renoud's low quarte, which was thought so well of; while he also had the gross vulgarity to parry a sweet flanconnade with his left hand. And the fellow had made him positiv

him ere long upon the soft grass beneath his feet. A thing that, if ever known, must load his memory with eternal disgrace. He a beau, a ma?tre des escrimeurs, to be

spare you. Only, henceforth, venture no more in this place." Whereon, as he spoke, he disarmed

ome, though, indeed, there was little enough light left for the other to observe it by--"now be off. And, here

im. "I'll be at evens with you yet. If wh

ng been courting one of the maids; next time go round to the offices--there you w

hould have been lurking about after one of Ariadne's maid-servants, he had the good sense to hold his tongue and to let the victor--for such, in tru

nd not a quarter of an hour ere he came along she was promising to be mine--to be my wife--her head upon my shoulder--kissing me. Nay, I think she did not kiss me; in the hurry of our parting that sweet ceremony was forgotten. Ha! very

forward to the Hautbois, intent on obtaining some r

warm and balmy, while the old thatched house, over which the honeysuckle and woodbine twined, was close and stu

iringly, supposing that for no other purpose could a gentleman have co

, "it is a visit which I wish not discussed. It was on business--a matte

w that he has a rival in the field. Thus, when he learns that Ariadne i

ed, while his wife echoed his words. "Nothing. Dou

ways," repl

going up to the house? He must have p

e spoke he felt, he knew not why, that he was turning somewhat white. Fortunately, ho

have known him. He is of the county, and one of His Majesty's sea c

wh

se Mistre

aps have thought that his guest was a madman, or, had at least, partaken too freely of the contents of a silver flask by his side. For he laughed

was necessary he should obtain some few hours' rest. "To espouse Mistress Thorne. Oh, gad! It is too much!" Yet, it would s

y having got the better of me in the encounter. So be it! A fortnight hence, my friend, and I shall have had my full retali