"I will not fight," he said. "I dare not. I think I might kill you."
"Oh, what miserable folly are we reduced to in this boy?" exclaimed the Earl. "Unfortunate have we been, and our records are wild enough, but never have we touched this shame."
Marius turned on him.
"Take the Countess home, my lord," he said, "and set your own life straight. In mine own eyes I do right. And, insult me as you please, I will not, I swear, cross swords with you. As for my lady here, blame yourself, not her. I have scarcely touched her hand since her marriage, and there have been few words between us."
"Spare me any speech!" broke in the Earl, restraining himself proudly. "I see now what I deal with." He slipped his sword back into the scabbard, and addressed his wife. "You will return with me, madam."
The Countess fixed her eyes on Marius, and gave a foolish laugh.
"Return—with you!"
"With me." He picked up his cloak, then flashed round on his brother. "As for to-morrow morning——
"Hush!" breathed Marius quickly. "Not here, not now!"
The Earl smiled.