Dodgeville chronicle. [volume] (Dodgeville, Wis.) 1862-current, 1871-01-13
MY FIRST DUEL.

MY FIRST DUEL.
1t was scarcely dawn when my valet
knocked at my door. Two cards were
in my hand. Drowsily enough | cast
my eyes over them, and saw the names
of two members of our club.
A discussion of the previous evening
with the Marquis of c. recurred to
my mind, and, although scarcely wish
ing myself out of this foolish affair, |
begged these gentlemen to excuse my
not receiving them, and invited them to
call that afternoon, at 8 o'clock, upon
George G., one of my oldest friends,
an officer of African Chasseurs, on leave
at Paris, in order to meet de B, my
other second, and arrange the condi-
tions of the duel.
These gentlemen gone, Joseph made
my toilet quickly, and | fastened to
George to explain my affair.
MY dear friend," he said to me, " as
this is first duel, here is my opinion ::
You are very young, absolutely without
excuse; if you meet him, good; if you
beat, better yet"
I" must write at once to de B,
and 90 to the smiths about my swords" !"
g No need of that Go to the fencing
hall to get back your fighting hanes and
legs. Practice an hour, not more or you
will do too much. | will let de B
know. AS for the swords, there are
mine, which are lucky.n
[ smiled with a constrained air, and
pressed his hand. A significant grasp,
a convulsive energy, to be found only
under. certain circumstances. Then l
hurried to the hall, and spoke to my
fencing master, who, in view of the i'm
portance of the case, exercised me for an
hour in the counter Of qnarte, retreat
ing with feints from the arm. | left the
hall with delight, armed with the bene-
diction of my fencing master, who
pledged his head that 1 should wound
my adversary. Going to Durand's [
practiced all the way counter of quartz
with my cane, to do honor to Cordelio's
teaching. | could think of nothing but
my duel. Had the Marquis de c.,
against whom | had no grudge, offered
the fullest apologies, l should have re-
fused them with spirit.
At Durand's | found George and Gle
b. We all three breakfasted to-
gether. The whole talk was of duels.
Of course George recounted to me his
meetings in Algeria, from which it ap-
peared that one is seldom killed in cold
blood with the sword. | coolly declared
that | would drink the blood of the
Marquis, at which George laughed out
right. asked myself if | should send
him also a couple of seconds. On the
whole, no. He was very fond of me !;
besides, | suspected | was becoming a
little too much of a bully.
These gentlemen left me in order to
meet my adversary's seconds. [ went
home. A little nervous excitement. [
was short with Joseph, who did not
know what to make of it. got off my
horse, as usual, and went to the Bois Gle
Boulogne. Every one spoke of my duel,
which began to be noised abroad. put
on nv most Indifferent air, and listened
politely. | talked and bowed great
deal Charming, the Bois. Magnificent
Meather. Autumn toilet-the prettiest
possible. Two danseuses of the ballet
troupe stopped their victoria.
:" Tell me-" said little ", " are you
really going to fight the Marquis de c..
tomorrow ?"
g Yes. Don't mention it; it is not
public. Tomorrow morning, with
swords" -.
"Ah. my poor Gaston Good luck. :"
Her let black eyes smiled caress that
charmed and drew me. I followed the
carriage at an easy gallop. She regard
ed me with softened air. The look
turned my head, and [ began to think
it fine thing to have a duel. Percelv-
ing George at a distance, on his Arabian,
/ moderated the pace Of my thorough
bred. George joined me.
You will fight tomorrow, at four in
the afternoon, at Vesinet. The arrange
ments are all made. Keep cool during
the affair. Your antagonist is nothing
remarkable, but he has had three duels,
and fences pretty well. We will go to
the hall tomorrow morning before
breakfast"
"Very WE'LL" l answered laconically.
His last words had somewhat damp
ened my enthusiasm. was less pleased
with the prospect before me. Never
theless, | kept up appearances, and per-
sisted in being extremely gay. tried
to be witty, and made bad jokes. George
was thoughtful and silent. From time
to time, however, | saw a smile across
his lips. l imagine he understood my
flow of spirits. a
On returning, l dined with George
and de B, and afterwards, when |
proposed taking box at the Boutfes,
we all went to the theater together.
The conversation was the same as in
the morning, though even more per-
sonal.
"Your adversary is taller than you" "
said George to me. "You should re-
treat, but keep your sword aimed at his
body as much as possible, and If you see
an opening, stretch out your arm, but
don't lunge.'
Bah p said l, laughing "let us
have supper, and talk of some
thing else. Tomorrow will be enough
for all that. l mean to enjoy my last
night"
This was the fourth or fifth time that