Northern star, and Warren and Bristol gazette. [volume] (Warren [R.I.]) 1826-1830, 1826-04-22

whiCh ne supported II appeared Ia their
eyes meahness which nothing could
justify. The General had been ilnme-
diately Informed Of what had passed, and
full Of the prejudices of The military
profession, he demonstrated with hlm
in the strongest terms upon his con-
duct, and ended by forbidding him his
house until he had wiped ou, the stain
upon his honour. Eugene was forbid
den to see or write to him but for the
first and only time the gentle girl dieo-
beyed the will Of her parent. by con-
veying line to La Croix expressive of
her appreciation of his conduct, and of
her hope that heaven would give him
strepgth Of mind to persevere in it.
His heart swelled with mingled sensa-
tons Of pleasure and pain as he read
this letter. Yes, dearest Eugene, cri-
ed he, you and you alone understand
me, and in your appreciation of my con-
duct could find balm for the unjust
scorn with which am treated. But,
alas how long shall be able to pre-
serve that appreciation so precious to
nv heart Flow long shall be able
to defend myself against the commiss-
ion Of a commission of crime at which
| shudder.
When the three days were expired
he entered the coffee house at the mo-
ment that all the officers were assem-
ble !. NJ. Valmont, SAID he, address
ing his antagonist, hope that | now
find you in situation to appreciate more
justly the natives Of my conduct. ! am
satisfied that in your heart you acGuil
me Of cowardce, but | frankly avow
that duel inspires me with horrour,
and never will willingly raise my arm
but against the enemies ofmy country.
| do not ask you for any apology. |
am willing to bury the past in Oblivion.
Accept my hand and let us be friends.
Il shall never be friends with a man
who acts like poltroon."
Then | must fight ? - ...,
To be sure you must cried all the
officers at once.
Very well then, let our difference
be decided Tomorrow morning at six
o'clock, in presen'e of three officers
of our corps and three Of the hussars.
As the party challenged ought to
have the choice Of weapons; but l
wave it,
If am to name them say swords
Valmont smiled with peculiar ex.
preston in his cuuntenance, and re-
tired without making any observa-
ton.
IS, then. cried St. Maur, we have at
last provoked this pretty gentleman
to rGn the chance Of being let blood.
Il think, said another of the, officers,
it is doubtful after all "" cried
Vamnnt, whatever strange notions the
fellow has got in his head, do firmly
believe he is no coward The tone of
his voice, the firmncss Of his look, as
sure me of his courage =; and | should
be almost sorry to have used him as !
have dono, i'll did not consider that al.
ter all he will have an eqdal chance
with myself for his life Provided
cried one of the officers drily, he Is as
good swordsman.' Falmont redden-
ed but made no reply.
The following morning the L'euten-
ant and lie other ot:cers were on the
ground exactly at the appointed time,
where in less than two minutes they
we're Joined by La Croix, who took a
letter from his ppcket, and presented
it to St. Maur, requesting that, II he
fell, it might be given. to General Belle
grade. The combat then began val
mont was an excellent swordsman, but
be soon found that he had to do win
his master. At first he fought with
great temper, but he soon abandoned
himself to the fury of his resentment,
he made the most desperate passes'ann
left himself SO open tn his adversary
that La Croix might repeatedly nave
taken life. But it was evidently ne
acted merely on the defensive, and
avoided even wounding hi's. go, !
"Let US have done with this chi'us
play, said the eiiraged valmont at last:
you knew what you were about when
you agreed to fight with swords but
if you are dead to every sentiment OF
true honour, give me fair chancc,and
let US take pistols
La Croix looked at him with horror.
O nv God y cried he, how much
more barbarous is man, under the in
fiueuce Of blind rage,than the most say.
lge Of animals! You still thirst tor my J
blood. Well then, unjust ma" salts.
Is yourself" ,o,, can can
,;,tols we're produced they tossed
IN for the first fire the chance tell 70