HAVERILL. Yes, I--I will go up and write it at once. [_Crosses;
stops and looks back. Aside._] I wonder how much he overheard.
KERCHIVAL. [_Quietly._] I suppose eight o'clock will be time enough
for me to go?
MRS. HAVERILL. Oh, yes! [_Glancing at him a moment._]--quite.
[_Exit, through apartment._
KERCHIVAL. [_Quietly._] Mr. Thornton! you are a scoundrel! Do I make
myself plain?
THORNTON. You make the fact that you desire to pick a quarrel with me
quite plain, sir; but I choose my own quarrels and my own enemies.
KERCHIVAL. Colonel Haverill is my commander, and he is beloved by
every officer in the regiment.
THORNTON. On what authority, may I ask, do you--
KERCHIVAL. The honour of Colonel Haverill's wife is under our
protection.
THORNTON. Under your protection? You have a better claim than that,
perhaps, to act as her champion. Lieutenant Kerchival West is Mrs.
Haverill's favourite officer in the regiment.
KERCHIVAL. [_Approaching him._] You dare to suggest that I--
THORNTON. If I accept your challenge, I shall do so not because you
are her protector, but my rival.
KERCHIVAL. Bah! [_Striking him sharply on the cheek with glove.
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