Litchfield enquirer. [volume] (Litchfield, Conn.) 1829-current, 1862-07-31
PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
IN 1863
THE DUELIsTs REVENGE.

The bitter animosity existing in France be-
tween the royalists and imperialists, found its
elimination on the restoration of Louis the Eigh
teenth, and innumerable quarrels and bloody duels
were the results.
Wherever duelling Questionable, there are al
ways more or less professed duellists. There
were many of this class in Paris at that day who
actually made living by duelling-they had their
price like the Italian assassins Of a former period
for getting rid of persons obnoxious to their en-
ployers. There were others who fought for the
more love of fghting,- because th4ir compative
and destructive organs would never let them
rest in peace.
Most of these duels, as we have intimated
were between partisans- between royalists and
imperialists-and when they met at the Palais
Royal, the great headquarters of Paris, the mode
of insult was simple and easy. A saucy look.
grimace, or a smile of contempt, was frequently
sufficient to draw forth challenge; but it these
failed, jostle, push, ora tread on the foot,
was always certain to be a success.
One day an imperiast officer, ore Captain Ho-
nitan, who was suffering from govt, was slowly
hobbling along under the famous wooden gale
ry of the palace in question. when being some
what pressed by the crowd, and fearful Of being
injured iE his suffering limb, he took sudden
step aside, and accidentally trod on the foot of
an officer of the royal guard. Quick as light
ming the latter young man of spirit and fire,
seized the former by the nose, and then cuffed
him on both sides of the head The face of the
imperialist turned deadly pale, as he said, quite
calmly and politely, evidently controlling his
passion by master effort of the will
II would have apoligised for what was really
an accident had not monsieur put it out of my
power"
Il do not want an apology from such as you
was the insulting reply. ,.... ..... ..
Your name !" demanded the other.
Lieutenant Duvias, of the royal guard, at
your SERVICE"
Il shall remember!" rejoined Captain Honi
tan, as he turned to depart.
play do not forget" said the lieutenant, at
the same time treading heavily upon the equity
foot of the captain, and thus drawing from him
an involuntary cry of pain.
Duvais then walked away with a proud and
naughty air. leaving the other suffering fearfuly
from pain and rage. AS soon as he could extri-
cate himself from the crowd. the captain called
for a carriage, and was quickly driven out of
sight.
For whole week Lieutenant Duvias remain
ed in momentary expectation of a chal enge
from the man he had so grossly insulted, but
none came. Another week passed away, and the
imperialist was not heard from.
l1O Is u COWdrU, duu uLWOTtuy vi NY uOeiSc'
said the dashing young officer, with proud smile
of contempt.
"Why, what could you expect ola man who
doubtless disgrased himself at Waterloo ?" re-
Joined one of his brother officers, with sneer.
" Bah this comes of plebeian blood, Henri !"
Months passed away. and Henri Duvais, who
was the youngest son of an ancient and honora-
family of royalists, was promoted to captaincy
He had fought two duels since his insult to Cap
tain Honitan, but still nothing had been heard
of that officer, and the little affair was nearly
forgotten, or remembered only as sneering
jest. More months passed, and Captain Duvas,
afianced to beautiful lady of rank began to
prepare for his wedding.
The morning of the Intended wedding-day ar
rived, and Captain Henri Duvais rose early to
prepare for nuptials that were to make him the
happiest man in Paris. While engaged at his
toilet, servant announced visitor-a stran.
ger k
II am engaged, and can see no one now" was
the reply.
81 beg your pardon, Monsieur le Capitalize"
said the voice of the stranger, who had followed
on the heels of the servant; " but know you
will see me-"
"And you are you, sir? and why this intru.
sion 7" demanded the young officer, in an impe.
rious tone, as he coldy ran his eye over the per-
son Of middleaged man in plain citizens
dress.
| g am Captain Honitan, formerly Of the impe.
rial guard, at your service"
"Well, sir Z"
monsieur lie Capitaine seems not to know
me but vet Monsieur may have the happiness
/ to remember the pleasure he once had in pulling
the nose, boxing the ears, and treading on the
foot of quiet-look gentleman. under the gallery
/ OF the Palais Rnval some twelve months since.
This was said with the most freezing politeness;
but there was something awfully wicked in the
cold grey eye of the speaker, as it all the time
rested quietly and steadily upon the other
"Hap' said Duvias, flushing to the temples
IL know you now; but to save your reputation
lyou should have come sooner"