“They are bringing all the necessaries; but I don’t know what they will choose.”
When this was said, Dumergue was humming a tune. He went on for five minutes, and then said, with a touch of scorn:
“My good Vooght, they know our friend’s reputation. They will choose pistols.”
I could not repress a start. No doubt it was stupid of me not to have caught the meaning of this early expedition before, but it really never struck me that our business might be a duel. However, so it seemed, and apparently I was one of the principals. Dumergue noticed my little start.
“What’s the matter?” he asked.
“Do they know my name?” said I.
“My dear friend, could you expect the baron to fight with an unknown man? The challenge had to be in your name.”
I had clearly been the challenger. I was consumed with curiosity to know what the grievance was, and how the countess was concerned in the matter.
“The countess assured us,” said Vooght, “that she had your authority.”
“As fully as if I had been there,” I answered, and Dumergue resumed his tune.