"It is colonial jealousy, of course," said others. "What have we to do with it?"
De Léry stood looking at Lecour without moving, in imperturbable contempt.
"I demand satisfaction," the latter hissed.
De Léry moved only slightly.
"The laws of honour," said he, "would bid me answer the challenge of a gentleman. But do you flatter yourself they compel me to cross steel with such as you?"
This was the cruellest blow, and under it Germain winced wrathfully. It was so cruel that those present murmured, and some cried "Shame!"
"You shall meet me! You must meet me! Besides a slanderer, you are a coward. Your company, whom you disgrace, have honour enough to make you meet me," called Germain in tones of rage.
"Accept! accept! accept!" cried the Guardsmen of the company of Villeroy.
"You ask me to dishonour myself?—to cross swords with an animal?" exclaimed de Léry, turning angrily to his comrades.
"Shame! shame!" was the cry around the room.