“I know of what testimony you speak,” said my father, “Madame d’Ionis has a great affection——.” “I hardly know Madame d’Ionis!” interrupted young d’Aillane quickly. “And I am not speaking of you, monsieur,” my father smilingly replied. “I am speaking of Count d’Aillane and of mademoiselle his daughter.” “And I, father,” said I, in my turn, “I was not speaking of Madame d’Ionis.” “May one ask,” said young d’Aillane, “the name of the person who has had this fortunate influence over you, so that I may know to whom I owe my gratitude?” “With your permission, monsieur, I would prefer not to tell you, this is something that concerns myself alone.” The young captain begged my pardon for being so indiscreet, took leave of my father rather coldly, and retired, expressing his gratitude to me for my good will. I followed him to the street door, as if out of politeness. There he again gave me his hand; this time I withdrew mine and begged him to come for one moment into my room which opened on to the vestibule. I once more declared that I was convinced of the nobility of his father’s sentiments, and thoroughly determined not to cast the slightest aspersion on the honor of his family. After which I said: “As this matter is settled, monsieur, you will permit me to ask you why you should have insulted me, by doubting my pride so far as to threaten me with your resentment. If I have not done so before my father, who seemed to urge me on, it was because I knew that when his feeling of anger will have passed away, he would consider himself the most unfortunate of men. I have also a very tender mother, and for this reason I ask you to keep our explanation here a secret. Charged with the interests of Madame d’Ionis, I plead her cause to-morrow; I beg of you then, to grant on the following day, after leaving the palace, the meeting that I now ask of you.” “No, _parbleu_! I will do nothing of the kind,” cried the young man, throwing his arms around my neck. “I haven’t the least desire to kill a fellow who has shown so much feeling and justice towards me. I was wrong, I acted without reason, and I am now quite ready to beg your pardon.” “That is altogether useless, monsieur, for you were forgiven before. In my position, one is exposed to such offenses, and they do not affect an honest man, but there is none the less necessity for me to fight you.” “_Oui—da! Et pourquoi diable_, after having begged your pardon?”