George de Croisenois breathed a sigh of relief. “I am ready,” replied he, “as I before told you.”
“I heard you; but remember that this will be no ordinary duel, in the light of day, with seconds to regulate the manner of our conduct.”
“We will fight exactly as you wish.”
“In that case, I name swords as the weapons, the garden as the spot, and this instant as the hour.”
The Marquis cast a glance at the window.
“You think,” observed Norbert, comprehending his look, “that the night is so dark that we cannot see the blades of our swords?”
“Quite so.”
“You need not fear; there will be light enough for this death struggle of the one who remains in the garden, for you understand that one will remain.”
“I understand you; shall we go down at once?”
Norbert shook his head in the negative.