"Meaning to me?" asked Law, politely.

"To any one," cried Castleton, quickly, "but most to thee, I fancy,
since 'tis now thy shoe!"

"I'll lay you forty crowns, then, that I know a smaller foot than that
of Madam Lawrence," said Law, suavely. "I'll lay you another forty
crowns that I'll try it on for the test, though I first saw the lady
this very morning. I'll lay you another forty crowns that Madam Lawrence
can not wear this shoe, though her I have never seen."

These words rankled, though they were said offhand and with the license
of coffee-house talk at so late an hour. Beau Wilson rose, in a somewhat
unsteady attitude, and, turning towards Law, addressed him with a tone
which left small option as to its meaning.

"Sirrah!" cried he, "I know not who you are, but I would have a word or
two of good advice for you!"

"Sir, I thank you," said John Law, "but perhaps I do not need advice."
He did not rise from his seat.

"Have it then at any rate, and be civil!" cried the older man. "You seem
a swaggering sort, with your talk of love and luck, and such are sure to
get their combs cut early enough here among Englishmen. I'll not
tolerate your allusion to a lady you have never met, and one I honor
deeply, sir, deeply!"

"I am but a young man started out to seek his fortune," said John Law,
his eye kindling now for the first time, "and I should do very ill if I