“‘You promise to be this man’s second?’
“‘Most certainly, Sire.’
“‘Look to it, then, that you keep your word,’ said Alexander with a face sterner than Panine had ever before seen it, ‘for I am the duellist. Honour leaves me no alternative but to fight. Stop! no words, I pray you. I know beforehand what you would say; that, if any one offends me, it is within my power to banish, to imprison, to execute the offender. Granted: but that were an ignoble vengeance. None hereafter shall say that Alexander took advantage of his position in order to slay a rival. The man must die, and his death shall come by my hand in fair and open fight. I waive my imperial prerogative, and meet him as one gentleman, when affronted, should meet another. My opponent’s name?—let it remain a secret. The rendezvous? Well, that you’ll learn when we set out. Be at the palace at seven this morning ready to attend me. And, as you value your life, not a word of this to any one.’ And with that the Emperor strode away.”
“Did Panine tell his tale to any besides you?”
“When I left him he was in doubt whether or not to communicate it to his fellow ministers.”
“And he doesn’t know who the Czar’s opponent is?”
“Hasn’t the least notion. The man was masked, you see.”
“But his costume should serve to identify him.”
“It would, if Panine could remember what the fellow wore. I should very much like to know the name of the man. To cut the Czar out in love, and then to stand up to him in a duel! Gad! the fellow must have the audacity of the devil!”
“Audacity, my dear uncle, was always the mark of a Courtenay.”