els me to
part from you. Receive my thanks for your company, and for the
friendship you have displayed toward me! I do not believe that this is
the last time I shall have the honor of entertaining you--but if it
should be so, I shall at any rate carry a pleasant remembrance of you
into the next world! If on the contrary I should survive the combat of
the morning, I hope to see you all again on my marriage-day, when
nothing shall occur to mar our merriment. In the meantime--good-night!"

They closed round me, pressing my hands warmly and assuring me of their
entire sympathy with me in the quarrel that had occurred. The duke was
especially cordial, giving me to understand that had the others failed
in their services, he himself, in spite of his dignity and peace-loving
disposition, would have volunteered as my second. I escaped from them
all at last and reached the quiet of my own apartments. There I sat
alone for more than an hour, waiting for the return of Vincenzo, whom I
had sent to track Ferrari. I heard the departing footsteps of my guests
as they left the hotel by twos and threes--I heard the equable voices
of the marquis and Captain Freccia ordering hot coffee to be served to
them in a private room where they were to await the other seconds--now
and then I caught a few words of the excited language of the waiters
who were volubly discussing the affair as they cleared away the remains
of the superb feast at which, though none knew it save myself, death
had been seated. Thirteen at table! One was a traitor and one must die.
I knew which one. No presentiment lurked in my mind as to the doubtful
result of the coming combat. It was not my lot to fall--my time had not
come yet--I felt certain of that! No! All the fateful forces of the
universe would help me to keep alive till my vengeance was fulfilled.
Oh, what bitter shafts of agony Ferrari carried in his heart at that
moment, I thought. HOW he had looked when I said she never cared for
him! Poor wretch! I pitied him even while I rejoiced at his torture. He
suffered now as I had suffered--he was duped as I had been duped--and
each quiver of his convulsed face and tormented frame had been fraught
with satisfaction to me! Each moment of his life was now a pang to him.
Well! it would soon be over--thus far at least I was merciful. I drew
out pens and paper and commenced to write a few last instructions, in
case the result of the fight should be fatal to me. I made them ve