"Now, of course," went on Vernon, evenly, "I see that no explanations are possible--that no apology, even, which I might make, would excuse me. I don't in the least believe in duelling--I have always thought that I would be the last person in the world to be entangled in that way--but this seems to be one of those situations which have no other solution. I am quite willing, anxious even, to give you any satisfaction you may demand. It is your right." "I agree with you," said the Prince. "It is my right. My friends will wait upon you," and he turned toward the door. "But this is folly!" protested Collins, his face very red. "We are living on the verge of the twentieth century, gentlemen; not in the seventeenth. I won't countenance this madness for an instant." "Who asks you to countenance it?" demanded Vernon, sternly. "I repeat, I am at the Prince's service. I am glad that it is within my power to offer him this reparation." "Very well," said the Prince, bowing, and again turned to the door; but Vernon stopped him with a gesture. "Before you go, before I can meet you, even," he said, quietly, "there is a further explanation due you--" "I have no wish to hear it," the Prince broke in. "It is one which you must, nevertheless, listen to," went on Vernon, coldly. "Confession would, perhaps, be a better word for it. Miss Rushford did not know the whole truth." "So!" said the Prince, with irony. "You acted unfairly, then, even with your co-conspirators!" Vernon flushed hotly, but kept himself in hand. "The retort is unworthy of you," he said. "I assure you that Miss Rushford was not in any sense a co-conspirator." "Do you mean that she was ignorant of the deception you were playing?" demanded the Prince, quickly. "No; she was not ignorant of that; but she--" The Prince held up his hand with an imperious gesture. "No more," he said; "if this is the explanation--confession--what you will--I repeat that I do not care to hear it." "This is not it." "It cannot, in any event, alter matters." "I have no wish that it should alter matters, Your Highness!" retorted Vernon, proudly. "When I have offered you the greatest reparation in my power, it is ungenerous that you should--" Again a knock interrupted him. "Come in!" he called, recklessly. The door opened and Archibald Rushford entered. He closed the door carefully behind him and advanced to the middle of the room. Vernon started forward. "Why, how are you, Mr. Rushford?" he began, with outstretched hand. "I'm very glad to see you." "Oh, you are?" inquired the American, keeping his own hands firmly behind his back. "I suppose _you're_ glad to see me, too?" he added, turning to the Prince. "I know of no reason why I should avoid you," returned the Prince, proudly.