Fielding was furious at the suggestion, and indignantly repudiated it.

She ignored the repudiation, and quietly insisted in pointing out the meanness of such a system of making love.

The unfortunate gentleman's dignity constrained him to listen in silence, for he felt that he would have spluttered had he opened his lips.

The only course open to him was a retreat with a high head, and he declared that it was no longer possible for him to continue a discussion which he had begun as much in her true interests as on behalf of justice and her particular friend Miss Le Mesurier, and went home.

By return of post he received a pen-and-ink drawing of himself and Clarice 'pairing off.' He was figured in the costermonger's dress, with his arm tucked under the girl's, and her hat on his head.
Meanwhile Mallinson was still in bed, completely ignorant of the battle which had been waged for the possession of him.
Fielding thought more than once of calling at his flat, since his determination had been sharpened rather than overcome by the victories of Mrs.Willoughby.He was more than ever convinced that Mallinson ought to have a fair chance with Miss Le Mesurier--an equal chance with Drake.