You return to find what appears to be some foppish looking creature trying to harass the young lady to dance with him, except that she is laughing quietly yet hysterically. You are a bit offended because she had not responded in any way to your gentlemanly advances. You realize that the fop is Sir Crawford, and that she is laughing at his absurdities in speech. Hence, you decide to rescue her by excusing yourself and requesting the lady for another dance. The lady accepts, and the Sir Crawford is furious. His pride is slighted and in a passion, he sends his comrade to challenge you to a fencing duel [2]. It is not in your character to participate in such violence, although you are well skilled in all areas of the English art of defense as part of your education as a gentleman. It would be dishonorable to refuse unless you apologized, but feel that you have done no wrong except to protect the comfort and honor of a woman, and so you send a second to accept the challenge [3] .

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