'
'She should not be too cruel. I recollect myself formerly: I was . . .
Young men will, when long slighted, transfer their affections, and be
warmer to the second flame than to the first. I put you on your guard. He
follows her much? These lovers' paintings and puffings in the
neighbourhood of the most innocent of women are contagious.'
'Her Grace will be running home all the sooner.'
'Or off!--may she forgive me! I am like a King John's Jew, forced to lend
his treasure without security. What a world is ours! Nothing, Beamish,
nothing desirable will you have which is not coveted! Catch a prize, and
you will find you are at war with your species. You have to be on the
defensive from that moment. There is no such thing as peaceable
procession on earth. Let it be a beautiful young woman!--Ah!'
Mr. Beamish replied bracingly, 'The champion wrestler challenges all
comers while he wears the belt.'
The duke dejectedly assented. 'True; or he is challenged, say. Is there
any tale we could tell her of this Alonzo? You could deport him for the
month, my dear Beamish.
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