Septmonts—That as the letter in question gives that impression, the situation amounts to the same thing as far as a legal process is concerned.
Clarkson [thoughtfully and coldly]—Oh-h-h!
Septmonts—Don't you agree with me, Mr. Clarkson?
Clarkson—No, not at all. I can understand revenge on those who have injured us, but not on those who haven't done so. And I don't like vengeance on a woman anyway, even when she is guilty; and certainly not when she is innocent; and you owe your wife a great deal—between ourselves, you owe your wife a great deal, duke. I understand now why, for once, your father-in-law M. Mauriceau sides with his daughter and M. Gérard against you. He is sure they both are innocent. By-the-by, does M. Mauriceau also know of this letter?
Septmonts—Yes. He even tried to take it from me by force.
Clarkson—Why did he not take it?
Septmonts—Ah, because you see, I had the presence of mind to tell him that I did not have it any longer—that I had sent it to you!
Clarkson [ironically]—That was very clever!
Septmonts—And then when M. Gérard had challenged me, M. Mauriceau thought he would make an impression by saying to him before me, "I will be your second."
Clarkson—Well, is that the whole story?