"Oh, I hope the first ball to-morrow may carry me off."
"You will fight under my eyes," continued Jean Oullier; "and if any one doubts your bravery, I'll bear witness to it. Will you come?"
"Yes," replied Michel, in so low a voice that the old man could scarcely hear him.
"Good! in three hours we start."
"Start! without bidding her farewell?"
"Yes. In the face of such circumstances she might not have the strength to let you go. Come, take courage!"
"I will take it, Oullier; you shall be satisfied with me."
"Then I can rely upon you?"
"You can. I give you my word of honor."
"I shall be waiting at the cross ways of Belle-Passe in three hours from now."