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400 THE ADVENTURES OF PHILIP
CHAPTER XXV
INFANDI DOLORES
PHILIP'S heart beat very quickly at seeing this grim pair,
and the guilty newspaper before them, on which Mrs.
Baynes's lean right hand was laid. "So, sir," she cried,
"you still honour us with your company: after distinguishing
yourself as you did the night before last. Fighting and boxing
like a porter at his Excellency's ball. It's disgusting! I have
no other word for it : disgusting !" And here I suppose she
nudged the General, or gave him some look or signal by which he
knew he was to come into action ; for Baynes straightway advanced
and delivered his fire.
" Faith, sir, more bub-ub-blackguard conduct I never heard of
in my life ! That's the only word for it : the only word for it,"
cries Baynes.
"The General knows what blackguard conduct is, and yours
is that conduct, Mr. Firmin ! It is all over the town : is talked
of everywhere : will be in all the newspapers. When his Lordship
heard of it, he was furious. Never, never, will you be admitted
into the Embassy again, after disgracing yourself as you have done,"
cries the lady.
"Disgracing yourself, that's the word. And disgraceful your
conduct was, begad !" cries the officer second in command.
" You don't know my provocation," pleaded poor Philip. " As
I came up to him Twysden was boasting that he had struck me—
and—and laughing at me."
" And a pretty figure you were to come to a ball. Who could
help laughing, sir?"
" He bragged of having insulted me, and I lost my temper, and
struck him in return. The thing is done and can't be helped,"
growled Philip.
" Strike a little man before ladies ! Very brave indeed!" cries
the lady.
"Mrs. Baynes!"
" I call it cowardly. In the army we consider it cowardly to
quarrel before ladies," continues Mrs. General B.