But he will never forget or forgive; so have a caution when he is your neighbour in any company.

He will rail at his second for not pinking you; but 'twas his own words that daunted the man.

He thought he saw in you a veritable son of the forest, terrible in wrath, invincible in skill--" and Lord Claud suddenly threw back his head and began to laugh unrestrainedly.
"I did not understand him," quoth Tom.
"Marry, no--and no need you should! You had better not understand too much of the things you see and hear in the world, honest Tom.
And now let us to a more hearty breakfast, and back again to town.
I must show myself today with a lordly grace, and prove to all the world that I need shrink from no man's gaze.

As for yon black bull, be sure he will breathe no word of this thing.

It would ill mate with his pride for the world to know that he had been spitted like a capon by one whom he has dared to gibe at as the white hind of the forest!" Lord Claud's mood had completely changed.