"'The Captain is perfectly at home in these affairs. Meanwhile, I will bring Comminges to speak with you.'
"Mergy bowed, and turning to the wall, did his best to compose his countenance and arrange what he should say. There is a certain grace in giving a challenge, which habit alone bestows. It was our hero's first affair, and he was a little embarrassed; he was less afraid of a sword-thrust than of saying something unbecoming a gentleman. He had just succeeded in composing a firm and polite sentence, when Baron de Vaudreuil, taking him by the arm, drove it out of his head.
"'You desire to speak to me, sir?' said Comminges, hat in hand, and bowing with an impertinent politeness, which brought an angry flush upon Mergy's countenance.
"'I hold myself insulted by your behaviour,' the young Protestant instantly replied, 'and I desire satisfaction.'
"Vaudreuil nodded approvingly; Comminges drew himself up, and placing his hand on his hip, the prescribed posture in such circumstances, replied with much gravity:
"'You constitute yourself demander, sir, and, as defendant, I have the choice of arms.'
"'Name those you prefer.'"
Comminges reflected for an instant. "'The estoc,' he at last said, 'is a good weapon, but it makes ugly wounds; and at our age,' he added, with a smile, 'one is not anxious to appear before one's mistress with a scarred countenance. The rapier makes a small hole, but it is enough.' And he again smiled, as he said, 'I choose rapier and dagger.'
"'Very good,' said Mergy, and he took a step to depart.
"'One moment!' cried Vaudreuil; 'you forget the place of meeting.'