"I never saw him; I know him only by reputation, and I must say that he is said to be a gallant knight and worthy gentleman."
"I am to understand that your action is not induced by hatred of any person?"
"Go to! if I had a grievance against Baron de Canolles I should challenge him to exchange shots or sword-thrusts with me, and he is too much of a man ever to decline an invitation of that kind."
"In that case I must recur to the reason you have given me."
"I think you can do no better."
"Very good! I understand that you have the letter which proves Mademoiselle de Lartigues to be unfaithful."
"Here it is. No offence, but this is the second time I have shown it to you."
The older gentleman glanced sadly from afar at the dainty paper, through which he could see the written characters.
The young man slowly unfolded the letter.
"You recognize the writing, do you not?"