"Yes, you will sing, and for each one of your sweet notes I will give you a kiss."
The girl drew back from his extended arms, and turning to the two men who stood looking on, she cried, with infinite contempt:
"Cowards! will neither of you interfere to prevent a woman from being insulted?"
Arthur's heart was stirred by this appeal.
"You are right," he replied. "Come, Frederic, no more of this!"
"Are you talking to me?" hiccoughed Frederic. "Take her from me if you dare!" And he put his arm around her.
"Help!" cried Francine. "Help!"
At the same moment, Frederic received a tremendous blow from Montferrand.
The Vicomte snatched a knife from the table, and the two men engaged in a hand to hand contest.