Part 6 (1/2)

”Your pardon, Henry,” he said quickly, ”the h with pistols for the evening, and Madeued So put down the pistol, Henry, and let us continue the interview”

”Certainly,” I replied, ”as soon as you have fulfilled your part of the contract As soon as you call off your servant, I shall wish you a very good evening Stand where you are, Brutus”

”Coh of the grotesque this evening It is growing late, my son Put down the pistol”

”Brutus,” I called, ”if you ain, backwards or forwards, I'll fire,” and I backed towards the wall

”Good,” said ht which I scarcely expected, even in a son of ht to see that it is useless Put down the pistol Put it down before I take it froain to his torn lapel, and he was leaning slightly forward

”One instant, father!” I said quickly ”If you come a step nearer, I shall fire on your servant Pray believe I am serious, father”

”My son!” he cried in mock alarm ”You distress me! Never be serious

Life has too many disappointments for that Have you not read Marcus Aurelius?”

”Have you reloaded your snuff box?” I asked hi his head, ”but I know a hundred ways to disarinal situation My son, I could have killed you half a dozen ti that weapon”

”Ado to such lengths

We all reed, ”unfortunately I am of a mild disposition, and yet--”

he made a sudden move toward me--”Do you realize your weapon is unprimed?”

”Shall I try it?” I asked

”Excellent!” said my father ”You impress me Yes, I have underrated your possibilities, Henry However, the play is over--”

He leaned towards the table abruptly and extinguished both the candles

The glow of embers in the fireplace could not relieve the darkness of the shuttered roo besideyou I think it would be safer if you put the pistol down One's aim is uncertain in the dark, and, after all, it is not Mademoiselle's quarrel Tell him to put down the pistol, Mademoiselle”

Her voice answered from the darkness in front of htly, ”pray continue I have not the heart to stop it--nor the courage to interfere in a family quarrel”

”Quite as one would expect from Mademoiselle,” his voice replied, ”but fortunately otten his manners Henry, have you set down the pistol?”

I tossed it on the floor

”Unfortunately,” I said, ”I have no woman to hide behind”

I hoped the thrust went home, but my father's voice answered without a treht, enerally when you least expect it The candles, Brutus”