I rose to take my departure; but Phil insisted I should stop.
"'Don't go, sir,' said he; 'I have something to propose to you by and by.' I accordingly took my seat.
"When the gentleman entered, he looked about, and selecting Phil, bowed to him, and then to us.
"'Ah, Mr.Hartley! how do you do ?' said Val, shaking hands with him; 'and how is your cousin, whom we hope to have the pleasure of beating soon ?--ha, ha, ha.

Take a seat.' "'Thank you,'said the other; 'but the fact is, that time's just now precious, and I wish to have a few words with Mr.Philip here.' "'What is it, Hartley?
How are you, Hartley?
I'm glad to see you.' "'Quite well, Phil; but if you have no objection, I would rather speak to you in another room.

It's a matter of some importance, and of some delicacy, too.' "'Oh, curse the delicacy, man; out with it.' "'I really cannot, Phil, unless by ourselves.' "They both then withdrew to the back parlor, where, after a period of about ten minutes, Phil came rushing in with a face on him, and in a state of trepidation utterly indescribable; Hartley, on the other hand, cool and serious, following him.
"'Phil,' said he, 'think of what you are about to do.

Don't exclude yourself hereafter from the rank and privileges of a gentleman.
Pause, if you respect yourself, and regard your reputation as a man of courage.' "'D----d fine talk in you--who--who's a fire-eater, Hartley.

What do you think, father-- ?' Hartley put, or rather attempted to put his hand across his mouth, to prevent his cowardly and degrading communication; but in vain.