Volume Ii Part 62 (2/2)
”I may have been wrong to speak so slightingly of those two ladies.”
”If you admit that you were wrong, then the affair is arranged, and it isn't worth while to fight.”
”Yes, but I received a blow!”
”If you were in the wrong----”
”Oh! I beg pardon--a blow calls for a sword-thrust. If I hadn't received a blow, I would say: 'I withdraw my insulting remarks about those ladies.'”
”Well! and if he should withdraw his blow----”
”That can hardly be done; unless he should let me give him one; then we should be quits!”
”He won't do that.”
”In that case, you see, I must fight.--By the way, I need another second; two are none too many.”
”No, no! they're none too many; perhaps you might have three or four--that would make more people.”
”No, it's the custom to have only two. Who in the devil can I get for the other? I thought that you would bring one.”
”My wife didn't tell me to.”
”Let us see--some hearty blade like you and me. Suppose I should take Jarnouillard?”
”I have just met him; he was going to Paris.”
”The doctor? No, he would refuse; he reprobates duels!”
”He is quite right! so do I!”
”But, my dear Monsieur de Belleville, when one can do nothing else!--Ah!
Monsieur Droguet.”
”You wounded him when you fell on him last night.”
”Monsieur Remplume then.”
”He is lame!”
”What difference does that make? he's a tough old fellow, he used to be a corporal in the National Guard.”
”Do you think so?”
”He has often told me so. Yes, yes, Remplume must be my second second.
Let us go and ask him; will you be good enough to come with me? your presence will keep him from refusing.”
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