.
Brown's irritated feelings, and add another laurel to the wreath
which he considered his due as a peace-maker.

He was shown into Mr. Webb's parlour, where that gentleman soon
joined him, and he was not long in making known his business. Major
Longsword plumed himself on his manners in such embassies, and to-day
he was perfect.

"Now, Mr. Webb," he continued after a long preamble, "of course I am
not to judge of the propriety of any words you may think fit to use;
but, I am afraid I must admit in this case, a somewhat--I must say
a somewhat unwarranted allusion was made to my friend. Such I can
assure you is the general opinion. Now, if you will allow me to say
as much, I think,--I cannot but think, you were right--perfectly
right--in not disclaiming such an allusion, having once made it; but
I trust, indeed I feel confident, that a man of your acknowledged
sense, and general character as a man of the world, will not object
to give me a line--a mere line will suffice--addressed to myself; I
wouldn't ask you in such a matter to write to Mr. Brown--a mere line,
just stating that you regret having said anything in your fervour
which should hurt any one's feelings. The matter you know is now in
my hands, and I pledge myself that shall suffice; I really think such
a bagatelle as that cannot be objectionable to you. Were I in your
place, I can assure you, Mr. Webb, as a man of honour, I should be
delighted to do the same."

"Were you in my place, Major Longsword," replied the Counsellor, "you
would, no doubt, act with more judgment than I shall do; but without
wishing to say anything offensive to you, I may as well assure you at
once that I will give no letter to any one on the subject."

"But, Mr. Webb, you cannot deny or justify the allusion--the very
pointed allusion?"

"I certainly shall not deny it; indeed to you, Major Longsword, I
have no objection to acknowledge it."

"And yet you'll not just state your regret--in a note to myself mind!
Why, Mr. Webb, you can't but regret it; you can't desire bloodshed."

"Indeed, Major, I do not regret it. Your friend considered himself
at liberty to accuse me in private--not by name, but by allusion, as
you say--of certain feelings and opinions derogatory to me. I have
retaliated in public. I believe now you will own that I consult your
convenience best by telling you that Major Macdonnel, of Tramore, is
my friend in this matter. He will make all arrangements with you for