The next witness was Sir Terence, who gave his evidence quietly from
his place at the board immediately on the president's right. He was
pale, but otherwise composed, and the first part of his evidence was
no more than a confirmation of what Mullins had said, an exact and
strictly truthful statement of the circumstances as he had witnessed
them from the moment when Mullins had summoned him.
"You were present, I believe, Sir Terence," said Major Swan, "at an
altercation that arose on the previous day between Captain Tremayne
and the deceased? "
"Yes. It happened at lunch here at Monsanto."
"What was the nature of it?"
"Count Samoval permitted himself to criticise adversely Lord
Wellington's enactment against duelling, and Captain Tremayne
defended it. They became a little heated, and the fact was
mentioned that Samoval himself was a famous swordsman. Captain
Tremayne made the remark that famous swordsmen were required by
Count Samoval's country to, save it from invasion. The remark was
offensive to the deceased, and although the subject was abandoned
out of regard for the ladies present, it was abandoned on a threat
from Count Samoval to continue it later."
"Was it so continued?"
"Of that I have no knowledge.
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