ples's brow was puckered in a frown.

"Ha! And why not, Monsieur?"

"Why not? Because it is not to be expected that one who fastens quarrels
upon schoolboys would evince the courage to beard Gaston de Luynes."

"Monsieur!" the four of them cried in chorus, so loudly that the hum
of voices in the tavern became hushed, and all eyes were turned in our
direction.

"M. de Canaples," I said calmly, "permit me to say that I can find no
more fitting expression for the contempt I hold you in than this."

As I spoke I seized a corner of the tablecloth, and with a sudden tug I
swept it, with all it held, on to the floor.

Dame! what a scene there was! In an instant the four of them were on
their feet,--as were half the occupants of the room, besides,--whilst
poor Vilmorin, who stood trembling like a maid who for the first time
hears words of love, raised his quavering voice to cry soothingly,
"Messieurs, Messieurs!"

Canaples was livid with passion, but otherwise the calmest in that room,
saving perhaps myself. With a gesture he restrained Montmedy and St.
Auban.

"I shall be happy to give Master de Luynes all the proof of my courage
that he may desire, and more, I warrant, than he will relish."

"Bravely answered!" I cried, with an approving nod and a beaming smile.
"Be good enough to lead the way to a convenient spot."

"I have other business at the moment," he answered calmly. "Let us say
to-morrow at--"

"Faugh!" I broke in scornfully. "I knew it! Confess, Monsieur, that
you dare not light me now lest you should be unable to keep your
appointments for this evening."

"Mille diables!" exclaimed St. Auban, "this insolence passes all
bounds."

"Each man in his turn if you please, gentlemen," I replied. "My present
affair is with M. de Canaples."

There was a hot answer burning on St. Auban's lips, but Canaples was
beforehand with him.

"Par la mort Dieu!" he cried; "you go too far, sir, with your 'dare' and
'dare not.' Is a broken gamester, a penniless adventurer, to tell Eugene
de Canaples what he dares? Come, sir; since you are eager for the taste
of steel, follow me, and say your prayers as you go."

With that we left the inn, amidst a prodigious hubbub, and made our way
to the horse-market behind the Hotel Vendome. It was not to be expected,
albeit the place we had chosen was usually deserted at such an hour,
that after the fracas at the "Soleil" our meeting would go unattended.
When we faced each other--