And, taking Clamens by the arm, the indignant provincial moved away.
“This is a bad business,” said the poet.
“Why?”
“You will soon see.”
At this moment a young man of irreproachable elegance advanced to the lover of Adéonne.
“Monsieur,” said he to Eusebe, saluting him with exquisite politeness, “my friend the Count de la Soulaye deputes me to remind you that you have given him the lie in public, and have omitted to leave your card.”
Eusebe was about to reply, when Clamens stepped before him. “Monsieur,” said the poet, “oblige me by giving my address to M. de la Soulaye. My friend M. Eusebe Martin, of the Capelette, in the fury of anger, has forgotten to leave his card. Here is mine. Until to-morrow at noon we shall be at your disposal.”
“I thank you,” said the young man, exchanging cards with the dramatist; and then, bowing politely, he rejoined his friends.
“And now,” said Eusebe, “will you tell me, my good Clamens, what this exchange of cards signifies?”
“Alas! It means that you will fight M. de la Soulaye to-morrow.”