![]() ![]() You see I am determined to earn the right to your friendship. In the coming years you may cancel your debt by instalments in the mean time I will refrain from making any claim upon your property. I will give you unlimited Credit, and even he your banker during your stay in Paris. Your debt to me covers nearly all your resources, You did not scruple at the venture yet, when fortune deserted you and smiled upon me, you assailed me with opprobrious epithets, accused me of fraud, and refused to be silent until I challenged you In addition to your other obligations I flatter myself you owe to me your very existence. “ Because Madame and la chère fille must not suffer for your excesses you must retrieve their shattered fortunes. “You have done finely - ruined me, helped me to gamble madly, left me almost a beggar, and in this desperate strait you refuse me the boon of putting an end to my evil existence.” Chesney, when you and I became friends, I set myself the task of being your guardian angel.”Ĭhesney sneered bitterly. “ Yes, - because I do not choose to make your wife a widow and your daughter fatherless ? Madame doubtless would thank me for my forbearance, and la chère fille, who by the last mail sent her love to you and her prayers for your safe return, - you who have lost yourself in the giddy circles of Baris, and are so desirous of quitting the world, leaving Madame and la chère fille, penniless. “Bah! you are contemptible,” exclaimed Chesney, with a sudden change of thought, driving his weapon into its sheath. By the way, my sketch, so unceremoniously interrupted, promised to he thrilling.” It is your last resort, and quite a vain effort. you might have believed me worthy of that epithet. “Spare yourself, Chesney you cannot anger me out of my resolution. “ You are a coward,” sneered his vis-a-vis, “and this is but a subterfuge.” We have no witnesses and, if I should be found here stark and cold, official inquisitiveness might follow very impertinently on your track.” “ Child’s play,” said he, puffing out a cloud of smoke.’ “ But seriously, Chesney, what do you want to do ? Assassinate me and endanger your own neck ? I have advised you that I shall not take a single aggressive step. Julicn was prepared, however, and parried the stroke easily. His companion sprang to his feet, picked up his rapier, and rushed forward with a fearful lunge at the reckless speaker. If you will he quite still, I promise you a life-like portrait.” ![]() Although seconds are wanting, and our costumes are scarcely so picturesque, yet I think it will be as interesting. You remember that famous romance upon canvas, ‘ The Duel at Daybreak.’ The scene is in the Bois de Boulogne, our chosen spot the time, tins very hour. In addition to many other accomplishments, I am something of an artist. “ Don’t stir, I pray you,” imperatively returned the other, “ What are you doing ? ” questioned the latter presently, rising upon his elbow. Julien's glance calm and complacent, that of his opponent bitter and fiery. Julien turned away, sheathed his rapier, lighted a cigar, drew out his tablets, established himself comfortably against a tree, and smoked in silence. Therefore I will not resume the contest.” You are only bargaining, therefore, for your own end. If we light again I shall come off conqueror. I have practised for years with rapier, sword, and pistol. “ Bah! Then honor demands yon should perish with two or three inches of cold steel through you ! You are a poor duellist, unskilful with your own choice of weapons. “Honor forbids,” growled the prostrate disputant. You are far enough from that, I am convinced, since you prefer your present ignoble position to that I have given yon a chance to resume.” When I fight, my adversary must he in his senses. If 1 rise, it will only he to renew a contest which must end with the death ot one ot us so while you have the advantage you had better use it.” “ I refuse both your assistance and pardon. “ I forgive you,” he continued, smiling compassionately upon the stormy upturned face. Julien extended his hand and bent over the foe whom his skill had disarmed and thrown upon the soft turf of the Bois de Boulogne. If you will permit me, I wall raise you.” ![]() “ No, not I, mon ami ! should never rest with rour life upon my conscience besides, there is another, - your wife, - for whose sake I have no right to avail myself of the privilege of taking it. “ I am at your mercy insult me as you please hut rather kill me at once than torture me in this refined fashion.” "YOU should handle your rapier thus, -so, - do yon see? It' you had, you would have lost neither your balance nor your weapon.” ![]()
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