Wilfrid’s statement that he would face the Czar in duel was no boast, but who should be his second?
Having no very high opinion of the Czar’s honour, Wilfrid considered it advisable to have a friendly witness to see fair play. But who would care to be his companion in a venture so perilous? He rapidly ran over in his mind the limited circle of friends, or rather of acquaintances, he had made in St. Petersburg, and knew full well there was not one upon whose spirit he could rely. Second the Czar’s adversary! The very idea would take away their breath.
Without knowing it he had stopped short before the French Embassy, a fact of which he was made aware by observing a covered carriage whose panels bore the armorial device of the Marquis de Vaucluse.
A moment afterwards the French Ambassador appeared, descending the steps of his mansion.
“Ah!” murmured Wilfrid, an idea striking him. “Perhaps M. de Vaucluse can recommend a man bold enough to act as my second.”
The Marquis, about to step into his carriage, stopped on seeing Wilfrid, and advanced with outstretched hand.
“I must apologise,” said Wilfrid, “for returning from the masquerade without the Baroness, but a grave event has called me away. Can you favour me with a word in private?”
De Vaucluse led the way into the entrance hall, and thence into a small cabinet.
“To be brief, Monsieur, I have been challenged to a duel. It is to take place within four hours, and at some distance from St. Petersburg. At so short a notice I have a difficulty in finding a second, especially as I have but few friends in this city. Can you recommend a gentleman, one of resolute courage, inasmuch as my adversary is a high political personage?”
“Supposing that I cannot name one?”