As chance or destiny would have it, four persons met at the
lodgings of Clamens, whose opinions in regard to the approaching
duel were widely different. (These were the four individuals who,
according to the French code, acted as “seconds” for Eusebe and his
antagonist.)
Paul Buck contended, with the utmost simplicity, that the duel was
a piece of stupidity.
Daniel Clamens maintained that such combats were a necessary evil.
The Commandant de Vic, who was the _premier témoin_ (principal
second) of the Count de la Soulaye, affirmed that the duel was the
judgment of God.
As for M. de Buffières, the young gentleman who had exchanged cards
with Clamens, he confessed that his opinion was governed by the
laws and customs of society.
Notwithstanding the disparity of their ideas, the quartette soon
came to an understanding. Only one--Paul Buck--thought of extending
the olive-branch of peace.
“Messieurs,” said the painter, “I believe that, as the honor of
our principals is not in peril, our duty dictates that we should
arrange this foolish difficulty.”
“Monsieur,” replied M. de Buffières, “we--that is, myself and
the Commandant de Vic--are not authorized to entertain such a
proposition from anybody.”
“You are perfectly free to listen or not, messieurs, and I am just
as free to make known my impressions. If I speak, it is not idly,
but because I feel that I am in some measure responsible for the
lives of two men, one of whom is my friend. If any thing serious
should occur, I wish to enjoy my rest afterwards.”
“If speaking will insure you easy slumbers hereafter, proceed.”
“If I seek to insure the tranquillity of my nights,” said the
artist, “it is because, up to the present, my days have not been
too happy. Come, gentlemen, let us talk little, but let us speak to
the point. We ought to be able to come to an understanding. I am
certain that each of us regrets what has occurred.”
“Certainly,” rejoined the Commandant de Vic. “As for myself, I
have been engaged in ten duels, and am not yet dead. Nevertheless,
I never take pleasure in seeing two men cross swords with a deadly
purpose. I will even go further, and say that the spectacle is very
disagreeable to me. But, you know, there are circumstances--you
understand me.”
“Youth must be broken in,” observed Clamens, humorously, which
caused M. de Buffières to smile. Paul Buck thought this a favorable
moment for renewing his attempt at reconciliation.
“After all, to what does this affair amount? Nothing. A young
gentleman, jesting with his friends, boasts of possessing a woman
to whom he has never spoken,--at least so we are assured; the real
proprietor of the lady overhears this vaunt, and tells the young
boaster that he has spoken falsely: that seems rather rough. But,
between ourselves, what else could he have done? He could not very
well invite the young gentleman to dinner. Well, then, let M. de
la Soulaye, who, I am sure, is a man of courage, acknowledge that
he was wrong, and let the affair drop. Parbleu! We do not seek the
life of the offender.”
“You forget,” said M. de Buffières, “that it is the man who gave
the insult, and not the one who was insulted, who ought to make the
apology.”
“There is another way,” resumed the painter, “of terminating this
absurd difficulty. Let M. de la Soulaye prove that he spoke the
truth when he referred to the lady. We will prevent our friend from
fighting for a woman who is not worth the trouble.”
“M. de la Soulaye,” replied the commandant, “will prove all that
is required, after he has obtained reparation for the outrage
perpetrated upon him.”
“Precisely so,” added M. de Buffières.
“If,” continued Paul, “by an unfortunate chance, M. de la Soulaye
should kill M. Martin, or M. Martin should kill M. de la Soulaye,
would that prove that the one did wrong, or that the other lied? Or
would the reputation of Adéonne be in the least benefited?”
“Probably not,” said M. de Buffières, dryly.
Paul Buck, seeing that his efforts to effect a reconciliation would
be fruitless, withdrew to a corner, and seemed absorbed in thought.
At length, M. de Vic arose and said,--
“Well, is it understood? To-morrow, at seven o’clock, at the Pecq,
Avenue de la Grotte; each to bring swords.”