RETALIATION. 55 



In a few minutes, Sir Lionel returned to the room, when. 

 Vernon asked, in a sneering tone, if Mr. William Beauchamp 

 was so seriously injured as to require surgical assistance. 



" Not that, sir," replied Sir Lionel, indignantly, " although 



his chest is like a raw piece of beef ; but, thank God, he saved 



Blanche Douglas, poor child, from what would have been a 



serious injury to her fair skin, through the blundering of that 



old fool John." 



" What a fuss about a cup of tea ! " again sneered Vernon. 



" ITark'e, sir," said the baronet, now thoroughly roused ; " no 

 more of your sneers, or I'll throve the next relay that comes into 

 your lap, and you'll hop higher than ever you did in a hornpipe." 



" Never perpetrated such a monstrosity, Sir Lionel ; that 

 ilance only suits such high-flyers as Miss Selina." 



" I'll make you dance to some purpose presently," muttered 

 that mischievous young lady to herself, with which intent she 

 approached Mr. Vernon, who was lolling in an easy chair, and 

 began thanking him, in mocking terms, for his polite allusion to 

 lier gymnastic exercises, at the same time beckoning the servant, 

 who held the salver, to take an empty cup she had in her hand. 

 But on his approaching with two other full cups on the tray, 

 with a touch of her elbow, the contents were adroitly tipped 

 over into her persecutor's lap. In an instant he was on his 

 legs, hopping and jumping about with the pain. 



"Hang it, madam," he exclaimed in a furious passion; 

 "these practical jokes of yours are intolerable." 



" Oh, la ! " she exclaimed ; " what a fuss Mr. Vernon makes 

 about a cup of tea ! " 



" Demniit, Vernon, you can hop a bit, though ; .thought 

 you were trying an Irish jig." 



" And yet," said Selina, " the tea could not be very hot, 

 having been in the room ever since Mr. Beauchamp left it." 



" Disagreeable, though, 'pon honour," remarked the Captain. 

 " So come along, Dick, I'll rig you out." 



As they quitted the room, Lady Markham severely repri- 

 manded Selina for her conduct. 



" Dear mamma/' pleaded the young lady, " don't be angry ; 

 if my brother does not choose to protect me from the impertinence 

 of that flippant puppy, I will not allow him to insult me, as he 

 ■does other ladies, with impunity." 



William Beauchamp, at this moment, entered the room, 

 arraj^ed in one of the baronet's waistcoats, which excited the 

 risibility of his cousin Fred. 



