ere is no need to introduce me, cousin. I already know Master
Hamilton."

"Yes," stammered the gentleman, holding out his hand, "Baron Ned and I
know each other well."

I did not take his hand, and when I saw anger mounting to his eyes, I
explained with the best smile at my command:--

"I do not take your hand, sir, because I have that to say to my cousin
which will greatly displease you. I am glad to have the opportunity of
saying it in your presence, as I dislike speaking ill of a man behind his
back."

"You need speak no ill of Master Hamilton either in his presence or
behind his back, if you intend to do so on my account," interrupted
Frances, throwing back her head defiantly.

But I was not to be halted in my duty. Here was a future duchess in
danger of being lost to the world for the sake of a vicious, penniless
gambler, having neither title, estates, nor character.

"I do not ask your permission, cousin," I answered, bowing and smiling,
for it is well to keep one's temper in such a case. "What I shall say is
the truth, word for word, and Master Hamilton himself shall be the
arbiter."

"Speaking the truth may be a great impertinence," remarked Frances,
trying to hide her anger under an air of carelessness.

"True," I returned. "And what I have to say will confirm your position.
Shall I speak now before Master Hamilton, or shall I say what I have to
say in your father's presence and send to Master Hamilton later a full
account of my remarks?"

"For my part, sir, I shall be glad to hear whatever you have to say now,"
interrupted Hamilton, with an angry gleam in his eyes and a poor attempt
at a smile playing about his mouth.

I would say here that I was confronting one of the bravest men in England
and one of the best swordsmen in the world. While he was not prone to
seek a quarrel, he certainly had never avoided one because of fear of his
antagonist.

I took advantage of my cousin's silence and, turning to Hamilton, said:
"If I speak one work of untruth, you are at liberty to give me the lie."
Then turning to Frances, I continued: "What I have to say, cousin, is
this, Master Hamilton is one of the most disreputable men at court."

Frances drew back, startled, and Hamilton grasped his sword hilt, drawing
the blade half from its scabbard.

I bowed, smiled, and said: "Tut, tut, Hamilton! A lady should never see a
naked sword blade. Later, later, of course, at your pleasure! I shall be
found at my uncle