"To cover the body of the fallen man, whoever he may happen to be. I am so used to these affairs that I know what will be wanted beforehand. Shall we sit down to breakfast?"
Now the duke was a courageous man, but he shuddered at the coolness of his second, as he assented.
They sat down to the table and drank their coffee in silence.
Then with the assistance of the obsequious Mr. Tompkins, they drew on light overcoats suitable to the autumnal morning, and went down stairs, caps and gloves in hand, and entered the carriage that was to take them to the appointed place.
On their way they stopped at the Rue du Bains and took the surgeon who had been engaged to attend them.
Dr. Legare was a young graduate who had just commenced practice, and was eager for the fray.
He came into the carriage, bringing a rather ostentatious looking case of instruments and roll of bandages.
On being introduced by the second, he bowed to the duke and took his seat.
The carriage started again.
It was yet dark.