And so the two parted.
Lord Ethalwood walked on with accelerated speed. He looked once more at his watch, and found there was ample time for him to be at the place of appointment.
Nevertheless, he was anxious and troubled. Most men are under similar circumstances.
He found upon his arrival the Chevalier de Monpres, dressed in his uniform, looking like an officer in the Old Guard.
“I am glad you have come thus early. Nothing like taking time by the forelock,” cried De Monpres, in high glee, for he made it a rule to be in the best of spirits and assume an air of confidence in all cases of this sort. “Why, mon Dieu, are you mad?” exclaimed the old Frenchman, glaring at his visitor.
“Mad, no! What’s amiss, then?”
“Amiss! Goodness me, you are never going to face your man in that costume?”
“Why not?”
“What—in a white waistcoat! It’s not to be thought of for a moment. The act of a lunatic, mon ami—a wild lunatic!”
“I do not understand you.”