: Upon which I opened it, and read
 
        »Sir,
            When any man injures my honour, let the difference of rank between
        us be ever so great, I am contented to wave the privilege of my quality,
        and seek reparation from him on equal terms. - The insolence of your
        reply to me yesterday, in the long-room, I might have overlooked, had
        not your presumptive emulation in a much more interesting affair, and a
        discovery which I made this morning, concurred in persuading me to
        chastise your audacity with my sword. - If you therefore, have spirit
        enough to support the character you assume, you will not fail to follow
        the bearer immediately to a convenient place, where you shall be met by
                                                                     QUIVERWIT.«
 
Whether I was enervated by the love and favour of Narcissa, or awed by the
superior station of my antagonist, I know not, but I never had less inclination
to fight than at this time: However, finding there was a necessity for
vindicating the reputation of my mistress, as well as for asserting my own
honour, I forthwith rose, and dressing in a hurry, put on my sword, bid Strap
attend me, and set out with my conductor, cursing my bad fortune all the way,
for having been observed in my return from my angel - So I interpreted his
lordship's discovery. - When I came within sight of my rival, his lacquey told
me, he had orders to stop; upon which, I commanded Strap to halt also, while I
walked forward; resolved, if possible, to come to an explanation with my
challenger, before we should come to battle. - Nor was an opportunity wanting;
for I no sooner approached, than he asked with a stern countenance, what
business I had in Mr. Tophall's garden, so early in the morning: »I don't know,
my Lord, (said I) how to answer a question put to me with such a magisterial
haughtiness. - If your lordship will please to expostulate calmly, you will have
no cause to repent of your condescension - Otherwise, I am not to be intimidated
into any confession.« - »There's no room for denial (answered he) I saw you come
out with my own eyes.« - »Did any other person see me?« (said I.) - »I neither
know nor care (said he) I want no other evidence than that of my own senses.« -
Pleased to hear that the suspicion was confined to him alone, I endeavoured to
appease his
