“You are right, monsieur,” replied Charny; and, turning to the coachman, he said, “No, stop, Dauphin; you shall wait here.”
Dauphin remained accordingly, and as he perfectly guessed what was coming, he arranged his position, so as to see through the still leafless trees all that passed.
They walked on a little way, then Philippe said, “I think, M. de Charny, this is a good place.”
“Excellent, monsieur,” said Charny, and added: “Chevalier, if it were any one but you, I would say one word of courtesy, and we were friends again; but to you, coming from America, where they fight so well, I cannot.”
“And I, sir, to you, who the other evening gained the admiration of an entire court by a glorious feat of arms, can only say, M. le Comte, do me the honor to draw your sword.”
“Monsieur,” said Charny, “I believe we have neither of us touched on the real cause of quarrel.”
“I do not understand you, comte.”
“Oh! you understand me perfectly, sir; and you blush while you deny it.”
“Defend yourself,” cried Philippe; their swords crossed. Philippe soon perceived that he was superior to his adversary, and therefore became as calm as though he had been only fencing, and was satisfied with defending himself without attacking.
“You spare me, sir,” said Charny; “may I ask why?”