The Wilmingtonian, and Delaware advertiser., 1826-09-21

which his bon-mots excited, provoked some
of the most inveterate Of his enemies to turn
him into ridicule. But he replied with SO
much good humoured drollery, and turned
the laugh against them in a manner at once
so clever and so free from asperity, that they
could find no fair pretext for insulting him.
The officers of the hussars shook him hcarti-
ly by the hand, and showed so much admi-
ration of his conduct that Valmont's anger
was inhamed to the highest pitch.
what, ST. Maur!' cried he addressing one
who seemed the most delighted with young
La Croix, you who have gained your epau-
lets at the point of your sword, you VINO
have so many honourable wounds as testimo-
malls of your services canyon sufier yourself
to be dazxled BY the frothy nothings OF q
man who owes his promotion to favour a.
lone.
.How! cried St, Maur, briskly drawing
back his chair, which was close tothat of La
Croix, is it really possible that you belong
to a class which all brave men dctset.'
.Yes, captain, it is unfortunately true, my
commission is neither the need of my servl-
ces, nor the fruit Of the suffrages ofmy COM
panions. God knows often have regretted
that it should be so, and impatiently l wait
for an opportunity ofproving to my comrades
that I am worthy to march with them un-
der the banners Of my country.
That is all very we'll for the future said
St. Maur, coldly, 'but it is nothing to the
purpose at present. Valmont has insulted
you. and there is but one way in which you
can answer him. What added he more
warmly, seeing that La Croix remained 81
lent, would you prove yourself insensible to
the honour Of Frenchmans 'Ie is cow
ard:' said the lieutenant
Without noticing his speech, La Croix
said to ST. Maur, 4 should indeed prove my
self insensiblc to honour were to COM
nit base action; but defy the world to
prove me guilty OF one.
What, do you not think it base to suffer
yourself to be called coward!
NO; for if abuse di.hoHored man, whose
name would be unstained? The most illus
trious patriots, the greatest heroes might be
dishonored. by the Infamous language OF
blackguard.'
.Ah! pshaw! all this sort of abstract reas-
oninq does very well in the discussions Of
philosophers, or the writing of moralists,
but we learn different lesson of honour. In
a word. our creed is, that an insult leaves a
stain which can only be effaced by the blood
Of the insulter. Such has always been the
custom of the army, and he who enters it
must conform to its usages.
Il beg pardon, this custom is not so ancient
as YOU suppose the Greeks and Ro-
mans
What have we to do with thems The
customs of France are the only customs that
Frenchmen ought to follow; it is clear e.
nough that you must fight your antagonist
or he must apologize to you, Or
~ ,ad Na1r
You must fight then M. La Croix or quit
The regiment
4 hope to settle the affair without doing
one or the other, by bringing back my COM
rade to sentiments more just to me and more
honourable to himself
He turned to the door; but Valmont called
to him in an imperlous tone, before you 60
sir. I expect that you will name the hour
and place where you will meet me to-mor-
row todecide our difference
Mr.. Valmont, know you to be brave
man, and would willingly think an honour
able man, take then l request you, three
DAYS to reflect on this subject-to ask your
self coolly and dispassionately, how far this
thirst for the blood of a man who never in
jured you is inconsistent with true honour
1hope at the end of that time to find you il
more just way of thinking, and that you
will assist me to convince these gentlemen
that it is not necessary to shed blood because
word has been dropped inconsiderately.' -
AT these words cries of indignation resound.
ed from all present, and La Croix left the
room, while they were swearing he should
fight or quit the regiment.
The sights with which they had treated
him before were nothing to the insolent con-
tempt they showed him during the three fol-
lowing days, and the patience with which he
supported it appeared in their eyes mean.
ness that nothing could justify. The gener-
al had been Immediately informed of what
had passed, and full of the prejudices of the
military profession, he demonstrated with
him in the strongest terms upon his conduct
and ended by forbidding him his house till
he had wiped out the stain upon his honour
Eugene was forbidden to see or to write to
him; but for the first and only time the gen.
tie girl disobeyed the will of her parent by
conveying line to La Croix, approving Of
his conduct, and hoping that Heaven
would give him strength of mind to persevere
in It. His heart swelled with mingled SEN
sation of pleasure and pain as he read thi.
letter. ayes dearest Eugenie,' cried he
.'you and you alone understand me, and ir
your appreciation of my conduct, could fine
a balm for the unjust scorn with which am
treated; but, alas! how long ahall be able tc
preserve that appreciation so precious to m,
heart how long shall be able to defend m,