“Agreed.”
“And he will fire first.”
“That may be open to discussion,” said Freluchon; “for your man began the attack by his slurring remarks.”
“No, no discussion!” exclaimed Edmond; “let him fire first—I agree.”
“Then, messieurs, as everything is arranged,—hum! hum!—we have only to salute you.”
“I beg pardon, monsieur,” said Paul, addressing himself to Monsieur Remplumé, who strove to maintain a surly expression; “if your opinion concerning the ladies insulted by Monsieur Luminot agrees with his, you too will have to deal with us; for you understand, messieurs, that no one may hereafter repeat those slanders, under pain of being chastised by us!”
The little, lame man turned green; Chamoureau sank upon a chair and put his handkerchief to his eyes, stammering:
“How can you believe me capable of speaking unkindly of those ladies, for whom I bought Monsieur Courtivaux’s house! I carry their images in my heart. I give no thought now to anything except the age of trees——”
“Enough! enough! we believe you!” said Freluchon.
Monsieur Remplumé made the same protestations as Chamoureau.