 (though nothing can be slighter than
our acquaintance) to introduce it into such a discussion.«
    »Since that is your resolution, sir,« answered Lesley, »Captain M'Intyre
requests that Mr. Lovel, unless he wishes to be announced as a very dubious
character, will favour him with a meeting this evening, at seven, at the
thorn-tree in the little valley close by the ruins of St. Ruth.«
    »Most unquestionably, I will wait upon him. There is only one difficulty - I
must find a friend to accompany me, and where to seek one on this short notice,
as I have no acquaintance in Fairport -- I will be on the spot, however -
Captain M'Intyre may be assured of that.«
    Lesley had taken his hat, and was as far as the door of the apartment, when,
as if moved by the peculiarity of Lovel's situation, he returned, and thus
addressed him: »Mr. Lovel, there is something so singular in all this, that I
cannot help again resuming the argument. You must be yourself aware at this
moment of the inconvenience of your preserving an incognito, for which, I am
convinced, there can be no dishonourable reason. Still, this mystery renders it
difficult for you to procure the assistance of a friend in a crisis so delicate
- nay, let me add, that many persons will even consider it as a piece of
Quixotry in M'Intyre to give you a meeting, while your character and
circumstances are involved in such obscurity.«
    »I understand your innuendo, Mr. Lesley,« rejoined Lovel; »and though I
might be offended at its severity, I am not so, because it is meant kindly. But,
in my opinion, he is entitled to all the privileges of a gentleman, to whose
charge, during the time he has been known in the society where he happens to
move, nothing can be laid that is unhandsome or unbecoming. For a friend, I dare
say I shall find some one or other who will do me that good turn; and if his
experience be less than I could wish, I am certain not to suffer through that
circumstance when you are in the field for my antagonist.«
    »I trust you will not,« said Lesley; »but as I must, for my own sake, be
anxious to divide so heavy a responsibility with a capable assistant, allow me
to say, that Lieutenant Taffril's gun-brig is come into the roadstead, and he
himself is now
