e are warranted in believing that this
Fernand is not the illustrious Count of Morcerf, who also bears the same
Christian name.'"

"I am determined not to be content with anything short of an entire
retractation."

"And you intend to make him do it in the presence of two witnesses, do
you?"

"Yes."

"You do wrong."

"Which means, I suppose, that you refuse the service which I asked of
you?"

"You know my theory regarding duels; I told you my opinion on that
subject, if you remember, when we were at Rome."

"Nevertheless, my dear count, I found you this morning engaged in
an occupation but little consistent with the notions you profess to
entertain."

"Because, my dear fellow, you understand one must never be eccentric. If
one's lot is cast among fools, it is necessary to study folly. I shall
perhaps find myself one day called out by some harebrained scamp, who
has no more real cause of quarrel with me than you have with Beauchamp;
he may take me to task for some foolish trifle or other, he will bring
his witnesses, or will insult me in some public place, and I am expected
to kill him for all that."

"You admit that you would fight, then? Well, if so, why do you object to
my doing so?"

"I do not say that you ought not to fight, I only say that a duel is a
serious thing, and ought not to be undertaken without due reflection."

"Did he reflect before he insulted my father?"

"If he spoke hastily, and owns that he did so, you ought to be
satisfied."

"Ah, my dear count, you are far too indulgent."

"And you are far too exacting. Supposing, for instance, and do not be
angry at what I am going to say"--

"Well."

"Supposing the assertion to be really true?"

"A son ought not to submit to such a stain on his father's honor."

"Ma foi, we live in times when there is much to which we must submit."

"That is precisely the fault of the age."

"And do you undertake to reform it?"

"Yes, as far as I am personally concerned."

"Well, you are indeed exacting, my dear fellow!"

"Yes, I own it."

"Are you quite impervious to good advice?"

"Not when it comes from a friend."

"And do you account me that title?"

"Certainly I do."

"Well, then, before going to Beauchamp with your witnesses, seek further
information on the subject."

"From whom?"

"From Haidee."

"Why, what can be the use of mixing a woman up in the affair?--what can
she do in it?"

"She can declare to you, for example, that