ld I lie to him with grace. So I simply said:

"It was not her fault," probably the worst remark I could have made.

"Then, this note is true? You did meet my wife by appointment in the
ruined chapel at Sceaux?"

"No, by my honor, there was no appointment; I came upon her by chance,
and through no consent of hers."

"And so you presumed to meet my wife in a lonely place--which she
denies to me upon her honor, as you now swear; you were there 'hot,
impulsive and hasty' which this _honorable_ missive of yours craves
pardon for. Now you seek another private interview which you say you
can not live without?"

I nodded moodily, wishing only to have the matter over, and avoid his
further questioning.

"By my soul, Captain, I am rejoiced to find you so frank--rejoiced that
you do not lie. The other, God knows, is bad enough."

I winced, but held my tongue.

"Our business, then, is plain enough; and there is no time like the
present."

So saying he cast off his coat and began to roll his sleeves back,
leaving bare that magnificent forearm of his, supple and dexterous.
Imitating him we were both soon stripped for action.

I had only my light rapier, worn about the garrison, while he was armed
with his heavy campaign blade. I was already a dead man, or so I felt,
for there was no spirit in me for the fight. Our blades crossed, and
immediately he noted the disparity of arms.

"Captain," he remarked, composedly, drawing back a pace. "This is a
bad business; I shall surely kill you, but wish to do so as a
gentleman. Permit me to exchange our weapons, so you fence not at such
great disadvantage."

And he offered me the hilt of his own reversed sword.

"Chevalier de la Mora, you are a gallant gentleman, will you believe a
man who has not yet lied to you, and who feels a word is your due?"

"Be quick," he replied, "we maybe interrupted."

"I have wronged you and will render full atonement. But it has only
been a wrong of the heart; one of which I had no control, no choice.
Your sweet wife has never, by word or deed, dishonored the noble name
she bears."

"Of course, Captain, it is a gentleman's part to make such
protestations. It is fruitless for us to discuss this matter further,
except as we had so well begun."

So intent were we both that neither had seen Jacques leave us, nor had
either heard the swift hoof beats of a horse upon the deadening sand,
until the rider was full upon us.

Bienville. Beh