Peregrine returned his compliment with such disdainful civility as
gave him room to believe that he suspected his errand; and therefore,
without further preamble, he declared his business in these words:
"Mr. Pickle, you have carried on a correspondence with my sister
for some time, and I should be glad to know the nature of it." To
this question our lover replied, "Sir, I should be glad to know
what title you have to demand that satisfaction?"--"Sir," answered
the other, "I demand it in the capacity of a brother, jealous of
his own honour, as well as of his sister's reputation; and if your
intentions are honourable, you will not refuse it."--"Sir," said
Peregrine, "I am not at present disposed to appeal to your opinion
for the rectitude of my intentions: and I think you assume a little
too much importance, in pretending to judge my conduct."--"Sir,"
replied the soldier, "I pretend to judge the conduct of every man
who interferes with my concerns, and even to chastise him, if I
think he acts amiss."--"Chastise!" cried the youth, with indignation
in his looks, "sure you dare not apply that term to me?"--"You
are mistaken," said Godfrey; "I dare do anything that becomes the
character of a gentleman.
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