"
"I regret," replied Maurice, "that our hostess ever thought of it, and
that we ever had anything to do with it."
"Would you also regret having me for your cousin?"
"No, you know very well that I would not, but...."
"But?"
"I know...."
"You know?"
"Yes, I know."
"Who has told you?"
The Duke's face grew stern.
"No one, I give you my word, but I have guessed; it was not very
difficult...."
"Then, my dear Maurice, I must ask you to remain absolutely silent.
None of our seconds know the real reason of our meeting. None of them
will ever know. This duel will be to the death, by the wish of Count
Styvens, who has found himself justifiably offended."
"Where will you meet?"
"At the Inn of the 'Three Roads.'"
"When?"
"To-morrow, immediately after the fete. The Inn has been closed since
this morning so as to receive no one except ourselves and our
witnesses. Now, my dear Maurice, since you know, I want to ask you a
favour. Here are some papers that I wrote last night. I am afraid my
servant is on intimate terms with Mme. de Morgueil's English maid, and
I dare not leave them in my room. I put them in your care. If luck is
against me you will give these to the proper persons. If Count Albert
is unfortunate, you will give me back the envelope. I'll see you
later!"
He pressed the young man's hand in a close grasp.
The Duke de Castel-Montjoie, the Dowager's only son, had been chosen
by the seconds as umpire.
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