This was highly displeasing to Howard, a brave and generous man,
who under an exterior of passive calmness concealed a spirit of
fearless courage. Though not desirous of picking a quarrel with
his rival, he was unwilling to suffer his impertinent
interference. Jermyn, on the other hand, not being aware of
Howard's real character, sought an early opportunity of insulting
him. Such being their dispositions, a quarrel speedily ensued,
which happened in this manner.
One fair summer day Captain Howard gave an entertainment at
Spring Gardens, in honour of the countess. These gardens were
situated close by Charing Cross, and opened into the spacious
walks of St. James's Park. Bounded on one side by a grove, and
containing leafy arbours and numerous thickets, the gardens were
"contrived to all the advantages of gallantry." The scene of
many an intrigue, they were constantly frequented by denizens of
the court and dwellers in the city, to whom they afforded
recreation and pleasure. In the centre of these fair gardens
stood a cabaret, or house of entertainment, where repasts were
served at exceeding high prices, and much good wine was drunk.
Here it was Captain Howard received my Lady Shrewsbury and a
goodly company, spread a delicate banquet for them, and for their
better diversion provided some excellent music played upon the
bagpipes, by a soldier noted for his execution on that
instrument.
Jermyn hearing of the great preparations Captain Howard made,
resolved to be present on the occasion; and accordingly, before
the hour appointed for dinner, betook himself to the garden, and
as if he had arrived there by accident, strolled leisurely down
the broad pleasant paths, bordered by pinks and fragrant roses
clustering in the hedgerows.
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