"D—— your private affairs," he cried in a burst of temper. "Even if you are going to die, you needn't behave like a sullen hog."
I stared round at him coldly.
"After the meeting I shall ask you to withdraw that, Lieutenant Gradinsk," and we did not exchange another word till the place of meeting was reached.
We were the last to arrive: and there appeared to have been some doubt as to whether I should dare to turn up, I think; for I caught a significant gesture pass between my opponent's seconds.
How I looked I know not; but I felt very dangerous, and I tried to be perfectly calm and self-possessed and natural in my manner.
"Lieutenant Essaieff," I said, drawing my chief second on one side after I had saluted the others. "There are two matters to be mentioned. If I should fall, will you give this letter with your own hands immediately to my sister?"
"You have my word on that," he said, bowing gravely.
"One thing more. I have an explanation to make to my opponent, Major Devinsky, which I think should be made in the hearing of all."
"An apology?" he asked, with a slight curl of the lip.
"No, but an explanation without which this duel cannot take place. Will you arrange it?"