‘You shall not murder each other, then!’ shrieked Louise. ‘I will prevent it.’
And before they could hinder her, she was off at the top of her speed.
‘Quick! quick!’ cried Marotte, ‘or she will give the alarm, and we shall be interrupted.’ At the same moment she threw herself into position, and Estelle did the same.
The combatants were well matched; but Marotte was the cooler of the two. Had it been a stage fight, she could not have parried her rival’s thrusts, and riposted more dexterously. It would have been ludicrous, but for the serious purpose of the affair, could a male spectator have seen the two young women in their theatrical costumes, which allowed free motion to the limbs, advancing and retreating, thrusting and parrying, with the skill of practised duellists.
‘This for your cutting me out of Madelon!’ said Estelle, with a vigorous flanconnade.
‘That for spoiling my last scene in the ballet!’ retorted Marotte, with a thrust in tierce.
‘Be cool, Estelle!’ cried her second.
It was too late. Estelle had laid herself open by a furious lunge over Marotte’s guard. Unable to recover herself in time, she received her adversary’s point in the sword-arm, and falling on one knee, lowered her blade in token of submission.
‘This will teach you better manners another time, Mademoiselle des Urlis,’ said Marotte as she wiped her sword. ‘Ha! Louise has given the alarm, as I feared. Save yourself!’
She darted off through the trees which bordered the alley, as Louise, who had in vain sought Madame de Maintenon, came up, followed by some of the Garde Royale, and accompanied by the Marchioness of Brinvilliers, whom she had encountered passing along the terrace, on her way to the ball. They found poor Estelle faint and bleeding; whilst Mademoiselle Duparc was in vain trying to staunch the blood, which darted freely in jets from a wounded artery in her arm. With a severe reprimand, and a threat of the King’s displeasure, the Marchioness consigned Estelle to the guards, who raising her up, quietly turned towards the chateau, accompanied by her second and Louise.