_Septmonts_--Now, if I survive, you will restore it to me as it is. If not, then in the trial which will follow, you will read it in a court. I wish the letters to become public. Then it will be known that I avenged my honor under a feigned pretext; and M. Gérard and the duchess will be so situated that they will never be able to see each other again. _Clarkson_--Nonsense! Once dead, what does it matter to you? _Septmonts_--I am firm there. Will you kindly accept the commission? _Clarkson_ [_in a formal tone_]--Surely. _Septmonts_--Here is the letter. _Clarkson_ [_takes it and holds it as he speaks_]--But, duke, now that I think about it, when this trial occurs it is probable, even certain, that I shall not be in France. I was expecting to leave Paris on business to-morrow morning at the latest. I can wait until to-morrow evening to please you, and to help you with this duel of yours; but that is really all the time I can spare. _Septmonts_--Very well; then you will have the goodness to give this letter to Mrs. Clarkson with the instructions I have just given you, and it will be in equally good hands. _Clarkson_ [_looking at the letter_]--All right. A blank envelope. What is there to indicate that this letter was addressed to M. Gérard? _Septmonts_--The envelope with his name on it is inside. _Clarkson_--You found this letter? _Septmonts_--I found it--before it was mailed. _Clarkson_--And as you had your suspicions you--opened it? _Septmonts_--Yes. _Clarkson_--I beg your pardon for questioning you so, but you yourself did me the honor to say that you wished me to be _fully_ informed. Do you know whether the sentiments between M. Gérard and the duchess were of long standing? _Septmonts_--They date from before my marriage. _Clarkson_ [_looking toward the apartment of the duchess_]--Oh, I see. That is serious! _Septmonts_--They loved each other, they wanted to marry each other, but my wife's father would not consent. _Clarkson_ [_reflectively_]--M. Gérard wanted to marry her, did he? _Septmonts_--Yes; but when he learned that Mademoiselle Mauriceau was a millionaire, as he had nothing and had no title other than his plain name Gérard, he withdrew his pretensions. _Clarkson_--That was a very proper thing for the young man to do. It doesn't surprise me! _Septmonts_--Yes; but now, Mr. Clarkson, this young gentleman has come back-- _Clarkson_--And is too intimate a friend to your wife? _Septmonts_--Ah, I do not say that! _Clarkson_--What do you say, then? _Septmonts_--That as the letter in question gives that impression, the situation amounts to the same thing as far as a legal process is concerned. _Clarkson_ [_thoughtfully and coldly_]--Oh-h-h! _Septmonts_--Don't you agree with me, Mr. Clarkson?