"What is going on here?" he asked, in a haughty voice; "And who dares to use violence to the Countess de Barmont?"
"The Countess de Barmont?" the Duke repeated, contemptuously.
"It is true," the other remarked, ironically; "I forget that you expect at any moment a dispensation from the Court of Home, which will declare my marriage null and void, and allow you to give your daughter to the man whose credit has caused you to be nominated Viceroy of New Spain."
"Sir!" the Duke exclaimed.
"What, do you pretend I am in error? No, no, my lord Duke, my spies are as good as yours—I am well served, believe me: thank heaven I have arrived in time to prevent it. Make way there!" he said, repulsing by a gesture the two gentlemen who opposed his passage—"I am your husband, madam; follow me, I shall be able to protect you."
The two young men, leaving their sister, who was in a semi-fainting state, rushed on the Count, and both buffeted him in the face with their gloves, while drawing their swords.
The Count turned fearfully pale at this cruel insult; he uttered a wild beast yell, and unsheathed.
The valets, held in check by the two sailors, had not made a movement.
The Duke rushed between the three men, who were ready for the assault.
"Count," he said, coolly, to the younger of his sons, "leave to your brother the duty of chastising this man."