ng been so injured by my wife that I intend to
be revenged on her.

_Clarkson_--And how?

_Septmonts_--I wish that the contents of this letter, which I have in
my possession, shall become public property if I am killed.

_Clarkson_ [_coldly_]--Ah! And how can I serve you as to that?

_Septmonts_--I will intrust this sealed letter to you. [_He takes the
letter from his pocket._] Here it is.

_Clarkson_ [_still more coldly_]--Very well.

_Septmonts_--Now, if I survive, you will restore it to me as it is. If
not, then in the trial which will follow, you will read it in a court.
I wish the letters to become public. Then it will be known that I
avenged my honor under a feigned pretext; and M. Gerard and the
duchess will be so situated that they will never be able to see each
other again.

_Clarkson_--Nonsense! Once dead, what does it matter to you?

_Septmonts_--I am firm there. Will you kindly accept the commission?

_Clarkson_ [_in a formal tone_]--Surely.

_Septmonts_--Here is the letter.

_Clarkson_ [_takes it and holds it as he speaks_]--But, duke, now that
I think about it, when this trial occurs it is probable, even certain,
that I shall not be in France. I was expecting to leave Paris on
business to-morrow morning at the latest. I can wait until to-morrow
evening to please you, and to help you with this duel of yours; but
that is really all the time I can spare.

_Septmonts_--Very well; then you will have the goodness to give this
letter to Mrs. Clarkson with the instructions I have just given you,
and it will be in equally good hands.

_Clarkson_ [_looking at the letter_]--All right. A blank envelope.
What is there to indicate that this letter was addressed to M. Gerard?

_Septmonts_--The envelope with his name on it is inside.

_Clarkson_--You found this letter?

_Septmonts_--I found it--before it was mailed.

_Clarkson_--And as you had your suspicions you--opened it?

_Septmonts_--Yes.

_Clarkson_--I beg your pardon for questioning you so, but you yourself
did me the honor to say that you wished me to be _fully_ informed. Do
you know whether the sentiments between M. Gerard and the duchess were
of long standing?

_Septmonts_--They date from before my marriage.

_Clarkson_ [_looking toward the apartment of the duchess_]--Oh, I see.
That is serious!

_Septmonts_--They loved each other, they wanted to marry each other,
but my wife's father would not consent.

_Clarkson_ [_reflectively_]-