“Not the least in the world. I will go at once if you wish it.” “One moment; as you go, just call on M. Schomberg and make him the same proposal.” “Schomberg too? Diable, how you go on! Well, as you wish.” “Then, my dear St. Luc, as you are so amiable, go also to M. Maugiron, and ask him to join the party.” “What, three! Bussy, you cannot mean it. I hope that is all.” “No; from him go to D’Epernon.” “Four!” “Even so, my dear friend; I need not recommend to a man like you to proceed with courtesy and politeness towards these gentlemen. Let the thing be done in gallant fashion.” “You shall be content, my friend. What are your conditions?” “I make none; I accept theirs.” “Your arms?” “What they like.” “The day, place, and hour?” “Whatever suits them.” “But----” “Oh! never mind such trifles, but do it quickly; I will walk in the little garden of the Luxembourg; you will find me there when you have executed your commission.” “You will wait, then?” “Yes.” “It may be long.” “I have time.” We know how St. Luc found the four young men, and accompanied them to Schomberg’s house. St. Luc remained in the ante-chamber, waiting until, according to the etiquette of the day, the four young men were installed in the saloon ready to receive him. Then an usher came and saluted St. Luc, who followed him to the threshold of the saloon, where he announced M. d’Espinay de St. Luc. Schomberg then rose and saluted his visitor, who, to mark the character of the visit, instead of returning it, put on his hat. Schomberg then, turning towards Quelus, said, “I have the honor to present to you M. Jacques de Levis, Comte de Quelus.” The two gentlemen bowed, and then the same ceremony was gone through with the others. This done, the four friends sat down, but St. Luc remained standing and said to Quelus, “M. le Comte, you have insulted M. le Comte Louis de Clermont d’Amboise, Seigneur de Bussy, who presents to you his compliments, and calls you to single combat on any day and hour, and with such arms as may please you. Do you accept?” “Certainly; M. de Bussy does me much honor.” “Your day and hour, M. le Comte?” “To-morrow morning at seven o’clock.” “Your arms?” “Rapier and dagger, if that suits M. de Bussy.” St. Luc bowed. Then he addressed the same questions to the others, and received the same answers. “If we all choose the same day and hour, M. de Bussy will be rather embarrassed,” said Schomberg. “Certainly,” replied St. Luc, “M. de Bussy may be embarrassed, but he says that the circumstance would not be new to him, as it has already happened at the Tournelles.” “And he would fight us all four?” “All four.” “Separately?” “Separately, or at once.” The four young men looked at each other; then Quelus, red with anger, said: