end of the day the duel of the morning was talked over from every point of view. Though Lieut. D&rsquo;Hubert had got worsted this time, his sword play was commended. No one could deny that it was very close, very scientific. It was even whispered that if he got touched it was because he wished to spare his adversary. But by many the vigour and dash of Lieut. Feraud&rsquo;s attack were pronounced irresistible. </p> <p> The merits of the two officers as combatants were frankly discussed; but their attitude to each other after the duel was criticised lightly and with caution. It was irreconcilable, and that was to be regretted. But after all they knew best what the care of their honour dictated. It was not a matter for their comrades to pry into over-much. As to the origin of the quarrel, the general impression was that it dated from the time they were holding garrison in Strasbourg. The musical surgeon shook his head at that. It went much farther back, he thought. </p> <p> &ldquo;Why, of course! You must know the whole story,&rdquo; cried several voices, eager with curiosity. &ldquo;What was it?&rdquo; </p> <p> He raised his eyes from his glass deliberately. &ldquo;Even if I knew ever so well, you can&rsquo;t expect me to tell you, since both the principals choose to say nothing.&rdquo; </p> <p> He got up and went out, leaving the sense of mystery behind him. He could not stay any longer, because the witching hour of flute-playing was drawing near. </p> <p> After he had gone a very young officer observed solemnly, &ldquo;Obviously, his lips are sealed!&rdquo; </p> <p> Nobody questioned the high correctness of that remark. Somehow it added to the impressiveness of the affair. Several older officers of both regiments, prompted by nothing but sheer kindness and love of harmony, proposed to form a Court of Honour, to which the two young men would leave the task of their reconciliation. Unfortunately they began by approaching Lieut. Feraud, on the assumption that, having just scored heavily, he would be found placable and disposed to moderation. </p> <p> The reasoning was sound enough. Nevertheless, the move turned out unfortunate. In that relaxation of moral fibre, which is brought about by the ease of soothed vanity, Lieut. Feraud had condescended in the secret of his heart to review the case, and even had come to doubt not the justice of his cause, but the absolute sagacity of his conduct. This being so, he was disinclined to talk about it. The suggestion of the regimental wise men put him in a difficult position. He was disgusted at it, and this disgust, by a paradoxical logic, reawakened his animosity against Lieut. D&rsquo;Hubert.