"But you must be familiar with the edicts concerning single combats. I have been compelled to put a curb upon this barbarous custom, this mania that men have for killing one another for an idle word! If I had not regulated the matter, the whole of the king's court would have taken the field!--You know, then, monsieur, that it is a capital offence?" "I know it, monseigneur." "And that did not stop you!--What motive had you, grave enough to induce you to defy the law?--Come, speak, chevalier. I thought that you were a friend to Comte Léodgard; you were his child's godfather, I believe." "I acted in place of the old Marquis de Marvejols--that is true." "You take a deep interest in the young countess--and you fight with her husband!--What was the cause of this duel?" Jarnonville, who did not lie readily, especially when it was necessary to invent a long story, was considerably embarrassed beneath Richelieu's piercing gaze, and faltered: "Sometimes, monseigneur, between two persons who meet often, a word too lightly spoken is enough.--Comte Léodgard is quick to take offence--and--and I myself lose my head sometimes." While Jarnonville was seeking his phrases, the cardinal, who was watching him closely, glanced at the short, broad sword that hung at his belt. He frowned, and said, interrupting him: "You have a peculiar sword there, chevalier?" "This sword--ah, yes! I do not--er--wear it usually." "I think not, for I have never seen it upon you. Whence have you it?" "Why, I found it with other weapons--which belonged to my father." "Ah! by the way, have you heard aught of the charges made by a young woman with respect to Comte Léodgard?" "Not until this morning, monseigneur." "You do not give credit to them, do you?" "How can I do so, monseigneur, when I know that it was I who wounded the count, in a duel?" "Very true. Let me look at this sword which came to you from your father; I am curious to examine it." Jarnonville detached the weapon from his belt and handed it, in the scabbard, to Richelieu; but he unsheathed it, and read in gilt letters on the steel the name _Giovanni_. Without making a sign, the cardinal instantly replaced the sword in its scabbard, saying: "Do you think that Comte Léodgard's wound is dangerous, Sire de Jarnonville?" At that moment a clock on the mantel shelf struck twelve; the chevalier listened, then replied: "The Comte de Marvejols no longer lives!" "Do you think so?" "I am certain, monseigneur." The minister's expression became less stern. He returned the sword to Jarnonville, and said: "In that case, all is for the best; one culprit is punished, and that is enough. As for you, chevalier, I pardon you, in spite of your duel--for, of course, you fought with the count, did you not?--But put this sword out of sight; break it, for it might compromise you. Go, chevalier; comfort a widow and protect an orphan, as you have protected the honor of the name they bear."