One of the Kents of Gracedieu tried to trip me by thrusting his cane between my legs.

But! was ready for him, and, pulling up quick and bracing my knees, I snapped the thing short, so that he was left to dangle the ivory top.
Then he did a wild thing.

He flung the remnant at my face, so that the ragged end scratched my cheek.

When I turned wrathfully I found a circle of grinning faces.
It is queer how a wound, however slight, breaks a man's temper and upsets his calm resolves, I think that then and there I would have been involved in a mellay, had not a voice spoke behind me.
"Mr.Garvald," it said, "will you give me the favour of your arm?
We dine to-day with his Excellency." I turned to find Elspeth, and close behind her Doctor Blair and Governor Nicholson.
All my heat left me, and I had not another thought for my tormentors.
In that torrid noon she looked as cool and fragrant as a flower.

Her clothes were simple compared with the planters' dames, but of a far more dainty fashion.