Auban. "We have but arrived. Do you come alone?"
"As you perceive."
"Hum! M. le Vicomte, then, will act for both of us."
I bowed in token of my satisfaction, and without more ado cast aside my
cloak, pleased to see that the affair was to be conducted with decency and
politeness, as such matters should ever be conducted, albeit impoliteness
may have marked their origin.
The Marquis, having followed my example and divested himself of his cloak
and hat, unsheathed his rapier and delivered it to Vilmorin, who came
across with it to where I stood. When he was close to me I saw that he was
deadly pale; his teeth chattered, and the hand that held the weapon shook
as with a palsy.
"Mu--Monsieur," he stammered, "will it please you to lend me your sword
that I may mu-measure it?"
"What formalities!" I exclaimed with an amused smile, as I complied with
his request. "I am afraid you have caught a chill, Vicomte. The night air
is little suited to health so delicate."
He answered me with a baleful glance, as silently he took my sword and set
it--point to hilt--with St. Auban's.
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