The fearful silence was interrupted by Arwed. 'I have overheard your conversation with Siquier, colonel,' said he, 'and, as you know how strong was the love I bore the king, you will not be surprised when I declare to you that we must fight!'
'You have an especial passion for pistol-shooting!' calmly and jestingly replied Megret. 'Probably you wish to revive the custom of the ancient pagans, with whom the companions in arms of a hero prince reciprocally slaughtered each other on his grave; as an evidence of their love and respect for him.'
'Name your time and place!' cried Arwed, whose anger was increased by his insolent witticisms.
'Eight days from this, about the same hour,' answered Megret, after some little reflection, 'in the first iron mine of Danemora.'
'That is a late and distant rendezvous,' said Arwed. 'You will not let me wait for you there in vain?'
The Frenchman's eyes flashed, and in his anger he resembled an evil spirit in the human form. 'Young man!' he cried, 'doubt every thing--doubt even of Megret's eternal salvation--but doubt not his word or his courage,--or you will compel him to annihilate you even against his will.' And with a proud step he left the garden.
CHAPTER LI.
Some days later, Arwed, prepared for his journey, approached the sick bed of his uncle to take leave of him.
'You are going once more to Danemora?' asked the old man. 'What occasion calls you there?'
'I wish to see how it goes with the poor Christine,' answered Arwed, unwilling to disturb the sick man by naming the true motive.