“You are right, monsieur,” replied Charny; and, turning to the coachman, he said, “No, stop, Dauphin; you shall wait here.”
Dauphin remained accordingly, and as he perfectly guessed what was coming, he arranged his position, so as to see through the still leafless trees all that passed.
They walked on a little way, then Philippe said, “I think, M. de Charny, this is a good place.”
“Excellent, monsieur,” said Charny, and added: “Chevalier, if it were any one but you, I would say one word of courtesy, and we were friends again; but to you, coming from America, where they fight so well, I cannot.”
“And I, sir, to you, who the other evening gained the admiration of an entire court by a glorious feat of arms, can only say, M. le Comte, do me the honor to draw your sword.”
“Monsieur,” said Charny, “I believe we have neither of us touched on the real cause of quarrel.”
“Oh! you understand me perfectly, sir; and you blush while you deny it.”
“Defend yourself,” cried Philippe; their swords crossed. Philippe soon perceived that he was superior to his adversary, and therefore became as calm as though he had been only fencing, and was satisfied with defending himself without attacking.
“You spare me, sir,” said Charny; “may I ask why?”
Philippe went on as before; Charny grew warm, and wished to provoke him from this sang froid, therefore he said:
“I told you, sir, that we had not touched on the real cause of the quarrel.”
“The true cause,” continued Charny, “why you sought a quarrel, for it was you who sought it, was, that you were jealous of me.”
“What is your intention?” again said Charny. “Do you wish to tire my arm? that is a calculation unworthy of you. Kill me if you can, but do not dally thus.”
“Yes, sir,” replied Philippe at last, “your reproach is just; the quarrel did begin with me, and I was wrong.”
“That is not the question now. You have your sword in your hand; use it for something more than mere defense.”
“Monsieur,” said Philippe, “I have the honor to tell you once more I was wrong, and that I apologize.”
But Charny was by this time too excited to appreciate the generosity of his adversary. “Oh!” said he, “I understand; you wish to play the magnanimous with me; that is it, is it not, chevalier? You wish to relate to the ladies this evening how you brought me here, and then spared my life.”