“Secondly, have you pistols that you can depend upon? Mine have been stopped at Milan by the police.”
“They are Jacquard's best,” said the Frenchman; “and in your hand ought not to disgrace their maker.”
“Dress, then, and come along with me. This affair must be disposed of quickly.”
“I'm at your orders,” said the Frenchman, gayly. “I suppose you will be kind enough to tell me something more as we go along.”
Norwood nodded an assent, and sat down before the fire and crossed his arms on his breast.
“Was it a quarrel at play?” asked the Frenchman, after an interval of silence.
“No!” was the abrupt reply.
“All the better. It is the only affair of this kind I cannot endure. Is there a woman in it?”
“Yes.”
“Ah! I perceive,” said the other, with a laugh. “A married woman?”