“No, no, it ain't; no, upon my soul, I 'm quite serious. I never was less disposed for a jest in my life.” “You could never have selected a less opportune moment for one, sir,” rejoined the other, gravely. “Am I to conclude, sir,” resumed he, after a second's interval, “that we have no difference of opinion on this affair?” “None whatever. I agree with you in everything you have s-said, and everything you in-intend to say.” “Your friend will then apologize?” resumed the Colonel. “He shall,--he must.” “Simply expressing his regret that an unguarded action should have occasioned a misconception, and that in lifting his arm he neither intended the gesture as a menace nor an insult. Is n't that your meaning?” “Just so; and that if he _had_ struck he would n't have hurt him.” “Feu d'enfer! sir, what _are_ you saying? or do you mean this for a mockery of us?” screamed the Colonel, in a fit of passion. “You terrify me so,” cried Purvis; “You are so impeimpe-impetuous, I don't know what I 'm saying.” The Frenchman measured him with a glance of strange meaning. It was evident that such a character was somewhat new to him, and it required all his skill and acuteness to comprehend it “Very well, sir,” said he, at last, “I leave the details entirely to yourself; speak to your friend, arrange the matter between you, and let us finish the affair as speedily as may be.” “What is all this delay about?” muttered Norwood, angrily, as the other joined him; “is there any difficulty in stepping twelve or twenty paces?” “None; but we've hit upon a b-better plan, and you've only to say that you 're sorry for it all, that you did n't m-mean anything, and that you never did b-b-beat a Frenchman, nor will you ever do so in future.” “Why, what do you mean?” asked Norwood, in astonishment. “That we 'll all go back and lunch at the 'Luna;' for there's no-nothing to fight about.” Norwood pushed by him contemptuously, and with hurried steps walked up to where the old Colonel stood. “You are a French officer, sir,” said he, “and I rely upon your honor that, whether from the ignorance or inaptitude of that gentleman, no blame may attach itself to me in this business. I have no apology to offer, nor any amende save one.” “Very well, sir, we are ready,” said the Colonel. “I will ask one of my countrymen to act for you, for I see you are in very indifferent hands.” And now, like men who were well accustomed to the task, they set about the details of the duel; while Purvis, being at full liberty, slipped from the spot, and retired into the wood. “You 've won the first fire, my Lord,” said a young Frenchman to Norwood. “The conditions are twelve paces--back to back--to torn at the word, and fire.”