But pray remember that under no circumstances should you call a man a liar, unless on cool consideration you are determined to quarrel with him for lying, and determined also to see the quarrel out." "I am quite ready to see this quarrel out." "Good night," said Lopez, starting off at a quick pace.

They were then close to the turn in the park, and Lopez went on till he had nearly reached the park front of the new offices.

As he had walked he had listened to the footfall of his friend, and after a while had perceived, or had thought that he had perceived, that the sound was discontinued.

It seemed to him that Wharton had altogether lost his senses;--the insult to himself had been so determined and so absolutely groundless! He had striven his best to conquer the man's ill-humour by good-natured forbearance, and had only suggested that Wharton was perhaps tipsy in order to give him some excuse.

But if his companion were really drunk, as he now began to think, could it be right to leave him unprotected in the park?
The man's manner had been strange the whole evening, but there had been no sign of the effect of wine till after they had left the club.