Our adversaries arrived at nine o’clock punctually. They came on horseback, followed by a groom also on horseback.
M. de Chateau Renaud had his hand in the breast of his coat. I at first thought he was carrying his arm in a sling.
The gentlemen dismounted twenty paces from us, and gave their bridles to the groom.
Monsieur de Chateau Renaud remained apart, but looked steadfastly at Lucien, and I thought he became paler. He turned aside and amused himself knocking off the little flowers with his riding whip.
“Well, gentlemen, here we are!” said MM. de Chateaugrand and de Boissy, “but you know our conditions. This duel is to be the last, and no matter what the issue may be, M. de Chateau Renaud shall not have to answer to any one for the double result.”
“That is understood,” we replied. Then Lucien bowed assent.
“You have the weapons, gentlemen?” said the Viscount.
“Here are the same pistols.”
“And they are unknown to M. de Franchi?”