Page:Lady Athlyne (IA ladyathlyne00stok).pdf/273

 pausing, for he saw the anger in the Colonel's face and felt that to prolong this part of the narration was dangerous, he went on quickly:

"I trust that you understand, Colonel Ogilvie, that this explanation in no way infringes your right of punishing me as you suggest. Please understand—and this is my answer to your suggestion as to my appealing to law—that I accept your wish to go through the form of a duel!" He was hotly interrupted by the Colonel:

"Form of a duel! Is this another insult? When I say fight I mean fight—understand that. I fight à l'outrance; and that way only." Athlyne's composure did not seem even ruffled:

"Exactly! I took no other meaning. But surely I am entitled to take it that even a real duel has the form of a duel!"

"Then what do you mean sir by introducing the matter that way?"

"Simply, Colonel Ogilvie, to protect myself from a later accusation on your part—either to me or of me—of a charge of poltroonery; or even a silent suspicion of it in your own mind!"

"How do you mean?"

"Sir, I only speak for myself. I have already said more than once that I hold my life at your disposal. From that I do not shrink; I accept the form of a duel for my execution."

"Your execution! Explain yourself, sir?" In a calm even voice came the answer.

"Colonel Ogilvie, I put it to you as man to man—if you will honour me with so simple a comparison, or juxtaposition whichever you like to consider it—how can I fight freely against the father of the woman whom I love. Pray, sir," for the Colonel made an angry gesture "be patient for a moment. I intend no kind of plea or appeal. I feel myself forced to let you know my position from my point of