Though repulsed, they followed; and, finally, near the Rotunda, the ladies met a gentleman who was husband to one of them and brother to the other. They told him the story, and pointed out their troublesome followers, who were standing a little distance away. The American walked to where the pair stood, and after a few words he coolly knocked the Russian down.
The latter made no resistance, but pulled out his cardcase and demanded the address of his assailant, which was given.
Next day there came a challenge to fight; the Russian wanted satisfaction for the insult he had suffered, and was determined upon a duel. The American was inclined to accommodate him, but his friends interfered, and one of them went to the Russian, with the assurance that the American would have nothing to do with him.
“But I must have satisfaction,” demanded the Russian. “I have been grossly insulted, and must have satisfaction.”
“I don’t see it,” was the American’s reply. “You are even with him and can cry quits. You insulted his wife and he knocked you down. Can anything be more equal than that?”
“But a blow! a blow, is a terrible insult to me, the Count —————, and I must have a duel.