honour's dignity. Then came a third, a sturdy old officer of the
army, girded with a rapier at least a foot and a half beyond her
Majesty's pleasure; at him they raised a great shout, and most of
the spectators (but especially those who were armourers or cutlers)
laughed very heartily at the breakage which would ensue. But they
were disappointed; for the old campaigner, coolly unbuckling his
sword and bidding his servant carry it home again, passed through
unarmed, to the great indignation of all the beholders. They
relieved themselves in some degree by hooting a tall blustering
fellow with a prodigious weapon, who stopped short on coming in
sight of the preparations, and after a little consideration turned
back again. But all this time no rapier had been broken, although
it was high noon, and all cavaliers of any quality or appearance
were taking their way towards Saint Paul's churchyard.

During these proceedings, Master Graham had stood apart, strictly
confining himself to the duty imposed upon him, and taking little
heed of anything beyond. He stepped forward now as a richly-
dressed gentleman on foot, followed by a single attendant, was seen
advancing up the hill.

As this person drew nearer, the crowd stopped their clamour, and
bent forward with eager looks. Master Graham standing alone in the
gateway, and the stranger coming slowly towards him, they seemed,
as it were, set face to face. The nobleman (for he looked one) had
a haughty and disdainful air, which bespoke the slight estimation
in which he held the citizen. The citizen, on the other hand,
preserved the resolute bearing of one who was not to be frowned
down or daunted, and who cared very little for any nobility but
that of worth and manhood. It was perhaps some consciousness on