“Nothing of the sort. It is but justice. You are the offended party.”
“I am, in more ways than one.”
“Admitted; we will not discuss that question. You feel yourself aggrieved or injured, which you will.”
“Deeply injured.”
“That is understood. What do you desire, then?”
“The conditions I propose will be very simple, and will be as fair to you as they are to me.”
“It is simply a question of appointing seconds.”
“We do not want any.”
“Absurd! A duel without seconds! It is not to be thought of for a moment.”
“I hope I am dealing with an honourable gentleman.”