"What a pity Olivier could not witness this scene!" thought Gerald, who had recovered from his astonishment, and who now began to regard the adventure as extremely piquant, the more so as he had very little sympathy for Messieurs Mornand and Ravil, and a very warm affection for the marquis. But though the hunchback had made this open declaration of war, M. de Ravil turned to Gerald, and said, in a tone of profound conviction: "You must feel that such a duel as this is entirely out of the question, M. le duc?" "And why, monsieur?" inquired Gerald, dryly. "Thanks, Gerald," exclaimed the marquis. "The swords, my friend, quick, the swords!" "But think of permitting such an encounter in your mother's house! It must not be, M. le duc. Think of it, a duel, in a room in your house, and for the most trivial cause," insisted Ravil, as he saw Gerald walk to the panel and take down the swords. "I consider myself the sole judge of the propriety of what occurs in my apartments," retorted Gerald. "There are numerous instances of similar duels, are there not, M. de Mornand?" "Any place is suitable for avenging an affront, M. le duc," was the prompt and angry reply. "Bravo! the Cid never made a better retort!" exclaimed the hunchback. "Come, my dear M. de Mornand, off with your coat! It is hardly fair that I, who am not exactly modelled after the Apollo Belvedere, should be the first to strip." M. de Mornand, at his wit's end, pulled off his coat. "I absolutely refuse to act as second in such a duel," shouted M. de Ravil. "You can do as you please about that," responded the hunchback. "I have the key of the door in my pocket, but you can look out of the window, or beat a tattoo upon the pane, if you prefer. That little act of bravado might have a good effect on M. de Mornand, perhaps." "De Ravil, measure the swords, I beg of you," cried the other principal in the affair. "You insist?" "I do." "So be it,--but you are mad." Then, turning to Gerald, he added, "You are taking a great responsibility upon yourself, monsieur." "That will do, monsieur," replied Gerald, coldly. The proverb the marquis had quoted seemed a true one, for, when that gentleman rolled his shirt-sleeve up above his elbow, there was disclosed to view a long, thin, but sinewy arm, upon which the muscles stood out like whipcords, while his opponent's arm was plump and soft. The outcome of the encounter was apparent from the manner in which the antagonists fell into position, and in which they crossed blades, when Gerald, after having exchanged glances with Ravil, gave the signal for the combat to begin.