“Yes,” responded Clamens.
“You said to me, on the way,” rejoined the lover of Adéonne, “that justice was the first of established powers. One could have very little reason to question that, if he compared the palace of justice with that of a king.”
“We have in France,” said Paul, “but ten palaces for kings, while for justice there are more than five hundred, in which she condemns more in a day than a monarch could pardon in a year.”
“Fortunately for society, messieurs,” said the Commandant de Vic, who had just arrived, and who was followed by MM. de la Soulaye and de Buffières.
The first step Justice takes in the punishment of duellists is to bring them together in her ante-chamber. But for the profound respect the French profess for her, conflicts might be renewed there. It is true, nevertheless, that the custom, which might be attended with grave consequences, has often a wholesome effect. Adversaries often shake hands at the moment they are about to appear before the judge.
M. de la Soulaye, perceiving the lover of Adéonne, saluted him courteously, and offered his hand.
Eusebe bowed, but did not respond to the advance made by his late antagonist.
“Monsieur,” said the Commandant de Vic, frowning, “I have the honor to call your attention to the fact that M. de la Soulaye offers you his hand.”
“I do not wish to offer him mine,” replied Eusebe, “and am sorry that you compel me to say so.”
The officer, fired by this curt repulse, advanced, as if he meditated a quarrel; but M. de Buffières restrained him.