The poor doctor finally yielded. The diplomat
shook his hand and left him.
The doctor with an expression of great distress, walking feebly,
passed by Maurice, who would have stopped him.
"No, no. What? It is impossible.... You are not ill.... Leave me, dear
sir.... I ... I must..."
He stammered unintelligible phrases, hastening his steps. Maurice
re-entered the hall. He met the musician Xavier Flamand, who said,
"I just saw the Count Styvens go out."
"At this hour?" exclaimed Montagnac, looking at the Duke.
"He has gone to meet his mother at the station. She arrives at eight
o'clock. It is only seven, he will arrive half an hour too soon."
"He is a dutiful son," said Montagnac. "I am surprised that he has not
taken his fiancee."
Maurice raised his head. "Then the Marquis knows nothing!" he said to
himself.
He reflected, "How dense I am growing. Evidently neither the Duke nor
Albert has told anyone the motive of their quarrel."
Jean came up and cut short his monologue.
"I think that the two other seconds are Count Alfred Montagnac, the
Marquis's brother, and Captain Frederic Chevalier. Here they come
now."
Indeed the three seconds had just come up to the Marquis, who asked
Maurice to excuse him. "I will be back in a few moments, dear M.
Renaud."
The Duke dropped down by Maurice.
"I believe the fete will be a great success, but I wonder if you long
to have it over as heartily as I do.
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