Maurice raised his head. "Then the Marquis knows nothing!" he said to himself.
He reflected, "How dense I am growing. Evidently neither the Duke nor
Albert has told anyone the motive of their quarrel."
Jean came up and cut short his monologue.
"I think that the two other seconds are Count Alfred Montagnac, the Marquis's brother, and Captain Frederic Chevalier. Here they come now."
Indeed the three seconds had just come up to the Marquis, who asked
Maurice to excuse him. "I will be back in a few moments, dear M.
Renaud."
The Duke dropped down by Maurice.
"I believe the fête will be a great success, but I wonder if you long to have it over as heartily as I do."
"I regret," replied Maurice, "that our hostess ever thought of it, and that we ever had anything to do with it."
"Would you also regret having me for your cousin?"
"No, you know very well that I would not, but…."