"It will give me the most intense pleasure, my dear Duke," said I, "to
toss you--not with yonder coin but out of yonder window. I fancy a
second toss would not be necessary; but, if it were, I could do it with
as much pleasure as the first."
Lotzen's face got crimson; then, gradually paled--like red-hot iron
passing to a white heat. He let the chair fall slowly into place; and
so easily that I could not hear the feet strike the floor.
So, for a space, we stood at gaze. Then he spoke; and I marvelled at
the continued calmness of his voice.
"You are my superior officer, so I may not strike you nor draw against
you. But you will, I trust, pardon me, my dear cousin, if I tell you
that you are a snivelling coward."
"Pray, don't hide behind my temporary rank," I answered hotly. "I
waive it, gladly. Anything, for a chance to puncture that rotten
carcass of yours or to get a good fair crack at your smooth face."
It was a foolish speech. I knew it the moment it was out. But I never
had acquired self-restraint when aggravated by those I disliked--and I
despised Lotzen. Possibly, he had far better ground for despising me.
Had our positions been reversed, I am quite sure I would have viewed
him much as he did me--a foreigner--an interloper--a scheming
usurper--a thief.
My explosion seemed to calm the Duke. He looked at me, intently, for a
moment; then bowed gravely.
"I beg Your Highness's pardon," he said; "you are not a coward."
I might not be outdone, so I bowed back at him. "Thank you," said I;
"and I also beg your pardon and withdraw my adjectives."
"_Merci_, Your Highness," he answered. "Let us consider the matter
closed?"
"With pleasure," said I.
"And I shall hope to have the honor of crossing swords--foils, I mean,
with you, some day," he said meaningly.
"The hope is intensely mutual, my dear Duke," I answered.
He drew himself up to attention and saluted stiffly. I returned it in
kind.
"And, with Your Highness's permission," I said, "I shall ask you to
refrain from communicating with Mrs. Spencer. I appreciate your offer
but, upon second thought, I doubt the wisdom of it."
"As you wish, monsieur," said he; "as you wish."