So it was the baron who insulted me! A
duel with him--what good luck! Well! he may sleep in peace to-
night, but as soon as he is up in the morning he will find Costard
and Serpillon on hand. Serpillon has not an equal as a second.
First, he knows the best places for a meeting; then he lends the
combatants weapons when they have none; he procures a physician;
and he is on excellent terms with the journalists, who publish
reports of these encounters."
The viscount had never had a very exalted opinion of Wilkie's
intelligence, but now he was amazed to see how greatly he had
overestimated it. "Enough of such foolishness," he interrupted,
curtly. "This duel will never take place."
"I should like to know who will prevent it?"
"I will, if you persist in such an absurd idea. You ought to have
sense enough to know that the baron would kick Serpillon out of
the house, and that you would only cover yourself with ridicule.
So, between your duel and my help make your choice, and quickly."
The prospect of sending his seconds to demand satisfaction from
Baron Trigault was certainly a very attractive one. But, on the
other hand, Wilkie could not afford to dispense with M. de
Coralth's services. "But the baron has insulted me," he urged.
"Well, you can demand satisfaction when you obtain possession of
your property: but the least scandal now would spoil your last
chances.
Pages:
324
325
326
327
328
329
330
331
332
333
334
335
336
337
338
339
340
341
342
343
344
345
346
347
348