“Excuse me if I cannot join you, sir. Nothing but a matter of extreme importance could warrant my present intrusion. I only reached this city a few hours back, and I find everything at the Mazzarini Palace in a state of discord and confusion. Some are questions for time and consideration; others are more immediately pressing. One of these is this affair of George Onslow's. Who is he about to meet, and for what?” “His antagonist is a very agreeable young man; quite a gentleman, I assure you, attached to the French mission here, and related to the 'Morignys,' whom you must have met at 'Madame Parivaux's' formerly.” “Never heard of one of them, sir. But what's the quarrel?” “It originated, I believe, in some form of disputation,--an altercation,” simpered Jekyl, as he sweetened and sipped his coffee. “A play transaction,--a gambling affair, eh?” “I fancy not; Count Guilmard does not play.” “So far, so good,” said Grounsell. “Now, sir, how is it to be arranged?--what settlement can be effected? I speak to you frankly, perhaps bluntly, Mr. Jekyl, for my nature has few sympathies with courteous ambiguities. Can this business be accommodated without a meeting?” Jekyl shook his head, and gave a soft, plaintive little sigh. “Is friendly interference out of the question, sir?” Another shake of the head, and a sigh. “Is there any law in the country? Can the police do nothing?” “The frontiers are always easily accessible,” simpered Jekyl, as he stole a look at his watch. “Ay, to be sure,” broke in Grounsell, indignantly; “the very geography of the Continent assists this profligacy, and five paces over an imaginary boundary gives immunity in a case of murder! Well, sir, come along with me to the place of meeting. It is just possible that we may be of some service even yet.” “Nothing could be more agreeable to me than the opportunity of cultivating your acquaintance, Dr. Grounsell; but I have already sent off a few lines to Lord Norwood, to apologize for my absence,--a previous engagement.” “What! at this hour of the morning, sir!” burst out Grounsell. “Even at this early hour, doctor, our cares commence,” said Jekyl, blandly. “Upon this occasion they must give way to duties, then,” said Grounsell, sternly. “The word may sound strangely in your ears, sir, but I use it advisedly you have been well received and hospitably entertained by this family. They have shown you many marks of kindness and attention. Now is the opportunity to make some sort of requital. Come, then, and see if this young man cannot be rescued from peril.” “You touch my feelings in the very tenderest spot,” said Jekyl, softly. “When gratitude is mentioned, I am a child,--a mere child.” “Be a man, then, for once, sir; put on your hat and accompany me,” cried Grounsell. “Would you have me break an appointment, doctor?” “Ay, to be sure I would, sir,--at least, such an appointment as I suspect yours to be. This may be a case of life or death.”