Dame! what a scene there was! In an instant the four of them were on their feet,—as were half the occupants of the room, besides,—whilst poor Vilmorin, who stood trembling like a maid who for the first time hears words of love, raised his quavering voice to cry soothingly, “Messieurs, Messieurs!”
Canaples was livid with passion, but otherwise the calmest in that room, saving perhaps myself. With a gesture he restrained Montmédy and St. Auban.
“I shall be happy to give Master de Luynes all the proof of my courage that he may desire, and more, I warrant, than he will relish.”
“Bravely answered!” I cried, with an approving nod and a beaming smile. “Be good enough to lead the way to a convenient spot.”
“I have other business at the moment,” he answered calmly. “Let us say to-morrow at—”
“Faugh!” I broke in scornfully. “I knew it! Confess, Monsieur, that you dare not light me now lest you should be unable to keep your appointments for this evening.”
“Mille diables!” exclaimed St. Auban, “this insolence passes all bounds.”
“Each man in his turn if you please, gentlemen,” I replied. “My present affair is with M. de Canaples.”
There was a hot answer burning on St. Auban's lips, but Canaples was beforehand with him.
“Par la mort Dieu!” he cried; “you go too far, sir, with your 'dare' and 'dare not.' Is a broken gamester, a penniless adventurer, to tell Eugène de Canaples what he dares? Come, sir; since you are eager for the taste of steel, follow me, and say your prayers as you go.”