“So much the worse,” said Leon with sullen bitterness. “Since you must preach, begin by preaching patience.”
“You have plenty for your own evil deeds,” replied Gustavo hotly. “What I ought to preach to you now, is submission, if you were capable of it.”
“Submission? Am I not listening to you?” said Roch, who had reached a state of mind in which he found it impossible to conceal his antipathy for the whole family.
“Still you will need it—for your sceptical coolness, which is simply the corruption of your dead soul, will not stand you in stead when you hear what I have to say to you. You know that I am opposed to duelling as being contrary to all laws human and divine.”
“I defend the practice no more than you do; but I could think even duelling a good thing if the laws human and divine of which you speak are yours.”
“They are mine, and they are the only true ones. I hate duelling as being absurd and sinful; still....”
“Still, under existing circumstances,” said the other interrupting him, “you are willing to risk damnation for the pleasure of killing me.”
“It will be no pleasure, I am a Christian.”
“Speak out,” said Leon growing angry. “What are you driving at? Have you come to challenge me? A duel is an absurdity which is very generally accepted; a murder depending on luck and skill which occasionally is irresistibly forced on us. I accept this challenge to murder—whenever you please; today, to-morrow, with the weapons you may select.”
“No, you have quite misunderstood me,” said Gustavo turning the question like a lawyer who only wishes to prolong a case. “I was saying that even though I am no advocate of duelling this would be an occasion when I might set aside my religious scruples and take up a pistol or a sword....”