"It was the masked friend who answered, speaking very quietly—
"'Provided that we can get away from here without being followed by a crowd, we are at your service.'
"'That is easy,' said I, in the same tone. 'We have only to behave as though we were reconciled, and sit together for a minute at one of these refreshment tables.'
"'It was agreed. The crowd took no further notice of us, for little disturbances of that kind were usual enough at the Closerie des Lilas. Five minutes later the four of us were seated together in a carriage, driving to the house in which I had hired a room in readiness for this affair—a long, empty room above a shop that was for the moment without a tenant.
"The duelling-swords were there, the blinds were drawn, and the shutters closed, and a sufficiency of candles stood ready to be lighted; but one more desperate effort was made to keep the peace.
"'If my friend is willing to unmask here——'
"'He can unmask or not, as he likes,' I directed Jacques to answer; 'but I shall expect him to fight in any case.'
"'That is absolutely final?'
"'Absolutely.'
"'Very well. It is an unpleasant business. Let us make haste and get it over.'