“I shall be happy to give Master de Luynes all the proof of my courage that he may desire, and more, I warrant, than he will relish.”      

       “Bravely answered!” I cried, with an approving nod and a beaming smile.       “Be good enough to lead the way to a convenient spot.”      

       “I have other business at the moment,” he answered calmly. “Let us say to-morrow at—”      

       “Faugh!” I broke in scornfully. “I knew it! Confess, Monsieur, that you dare not light me now lest you should be unable to keep your appointments for this evening.”      

       “Mille diables!” exclaimed St. Auban, “this insolence passes all bounds.”      

       “Each man in his turn if you please, gentlemen,” I replied. “My present affair is with M. de Canaples.”      

       There was a hot answer burning on St. Auban's lips, but Canaples was beforehand with him.     

       “Par la mort Dieu!” he cried; “you go too far, sir, with your 'dare' and       'dare not.' Is a broken gamester, a penniless adventurer, to tell Eugène de Canaples what he dares? Come, sir; since you are eager for the taste of steel, follow me, and say your prayers as you go.”      

       With that we left the inn, amidst a prodigious hubbub, and made our way to the horse-market behind the Hôtel Vendôme. It was not to be expected, albeit the place we had chosen was usually deserted at such an hour, that after the fracas at the “Soleil” our meeting would go unattended. When we faced each other—Canaples and I—there were at least some twenty persons present, who came, despite the rain, to watch what they thought was like to prove a pretty fight. Men of position were they for the most part, gentlemen of the Court with here and there a soldier, and from the manner in which they eyed me methought they favoured me but little.     

       Our preparations were brief. The absence of seconds disposed of all formalities, the rain made us impatient to be done, and in virtue of it Canaples pompously announced that he would not risk a cold by stripping. With interest did I grimly answer that he need fear no cold when I had done with him. Then casting aside my cloak, I drew, and, professing myself also disposed to retain my doublet, we 

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