The lady withdrew, and Clermont desired the servant to admit the visitor, who straightway entered the room. The Marquis de Montigny was a man about fifty years old, of very distinguished appearance, whose bearing, at all times rather haughty, was at present characterized by a certain cold formality. In spite of it, Henri received him with the greatest cordiality. "Ah, Herr Marquis, I am charmed to have the pleasure of receiving you. Let me beg you,"--he invited his guest by a gesture to be seated, but Montigny remained standing, and coldly rejoined,-- "You are probably surprised to see me here, Herr von Clermont." "Not at all; our relations socially and nationally----" "Are of a very superficial nature," the Marquis interrupted him. "It is an entirely personal matter that brings me here. I did not wish to discuss it at the embassy." His tone was certainly slighting. Clermont compressed his lips and darted a menacing glance at the man who ventured to treat him thus cavalierly beneath his own roof, but he said nothing and awaited further explanations. "I met my nephew a moment ago," Montigny began again; "he was probably coming from you." "Certainly; he has just left here." "And he, Count Steinrück, frequents your house daily, I hear." "He does; we are intimate friends." "Indeed?" was the cold rejoinder. "Well, Raoul is young and inexperienced; but I would call your attention to the fact that this friendship is quite worthless for you. No state secrets are confided to so young and insignificant a member of the department. They are very cautious here in such respects." "Herr Marquis!" Clermont burst forth, angrily. "Herr von Clermont?" "I have frequently had occasion to object to the tone which you see fit to adopt towards me. I must beg you to alter it." Montigny shrugged his shoulders. "I was not aware that I had neglected to treat you with due courtesy in society. Now that we are alone, you must permit me to be frank. I learned but lately of Count Steinrück's intimacy in your household, and I do not know how great may be Frau von Nérac's share in this intimacy. Be that as it may, however, you will understand me when I beg, or rather require, that the Countess be left entirely out of the question in the schemes which you are both pursuing. Select another individual,--one who is not the son of the Countess Hortense and the nephew of the Marquis de Montigny." Clermont had grown very pale; he clinched his hands and his voice was hoarse as he rejoined, "You appear to forget that we are equals in rank. My name is as ancient and as noble as your own, and I demand respect for it." Montigny measured him from head to foot with a haughty glance as he replied, "I respect your name, Herr von Clermont, but not your calling." Henri made a movement as if to throw himself upon the insulter. "This is too much! I demand satisfaction!" "No," said Montigny, as haughtily as before. "I shall force you to grant it----"