Dixmer had already passed through, and descended into the darkened corridor. Maurice followed behind him. At the moment Dixmer planted his foot on the pavement of the grand hall, Maurice tapped him on the shoulder.
THE DUEL.
At this epoch it was always a serious thing to feel a touch upon the shoulder. Dixmer turned, and recognized Maurice.
"Ah! good-day, Citizen Republican," said Dixmer, without evincing any other emotion than an almost imperceptible start, which he immediately repressed.
"Good-day, Citizen Coward," replied Maurice. "You were waiting for me, were you not?"
"That is to say," replied Dixmer, "that, on the contrary, I had ceased to expect you."
"Why was that?"