Page:The Naval Officer (1829), vol. 3.djvu/238

 It is yourself with whom you are angry, and you are venting that anger on your friend."

The words were thrown away on me. I felt a secret malignant pleasure, which blindly impelled me forward, with the certainty of glutting my revenge, by either destroying or being destroyed. My sole preparation for this dreadful conflict was my pistols; no other did I think of, not even the chances of sending my friend and fellow mortal, or going myself into the presence of an Almighty judge. My mind was absorbed in secret pleasure, at the idea of that acute misery which Emily would suffer if I fell by the hand of Talbot.

I repaired to the rendezvous, where I found Talbot waiting. He came up to me, and again said,

"Frank, I call heaven to witness that you are mistaken. You are wrong. Suspend your opinion, at least, if you will not recal your words." Totally possessed by the devil, and not to be convinced, till too late, I replied to his peaceful