The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1877-11-07

IAui HppIOhCuBu bile btIhnRer WIFI blb
utmost politeness, and, 1 suppose, for
naturally could not hear, requested
him to move. The interloper did not
deign to answer, but sneeringly looked
up at Ferrand, as though to ask him
what he meant by his intrusion. Paul
pointed to the opera-glasses, but the
stranger neither replied nor moved ybut
continued to appear as though he did
not hear. saw that matters were as
suming dangerous complexion, for in
the newcomer l recognized Victor
Laroquiere, an ex-Bonapartist officer
like Paul, notorious bully, and one of
the most celebrated duellists in France.
But what could do? could only Sit
still, much against my will, and witness
the inevitable consequences. thought
Alice would faint when Laroquiere in
the calmest way rose before the crowded
assemblage and struck Paul in the face
with his glove but she recovered her
self, and like q statue watched her lover
pick up his opera-glasses, bow to his in
sulter, aud, without word, leave the
building. There were some exclama-
tions from the audience but the duel
list again rose, and with theatrical air
gazed round, mockingly initiating Paul's
parting bow, and resumed his seat. This
was too much for poor Alice, She could
not remain any longer; she must go
home and so, with some difficulty, /
got her and her mother in my carriage,
told the coachman to drive them home,
aud myself walked quickly to Paul's
odgings.
He had arrived before me, and was al
ready writing when / entered his room.
"Of course, he said, as he saw me, and
came towards me with both hands out
stretched, "you, my dear friend, will
assist me. Jt is impossible to do any
thing but fight. Even Alice could not
make me alter my convection upon that
point, the insult was so public"
"Suppose you leave the country" 1
suggested.
"Then l should have to give up the
appointment, and Alice, too. No, my
dear fellow, 1 am Frenchman, and ]
must fight. If he shoots me, it cannot
be helped; if shoot him, shall have
shot the greatest scoundrel in Paris. ]
beg you to call upon Laroquiere to-
night. have already discovered his ad-
dress. Here it is"
."But must you really fight 1t is
suicide to fight with professional duel
ist"
"Ah, he said, shaking his head, 1
am. afraid it is suicide; but I must fight
SO please don't try and persuade me that
1 need not. And 1 will fight, too, as
soon as possible. You can arrange
everything for tomorrow morning. ]
must have the matter over. In day OF
two 1 might be coward"
By his looks he inplored me to go tc
Laroquiere, and, constituted as French
society was at that time, had no other
course open to me, than to do as he
wished.
"If Monsieur comes from M. Pau
Ferrand," said n man-servant when ]
inquired whether Icould see his master
'fM. Laroquiere has sent to say that he
has not yet left the opera. He has, how,
ever, sent this penciled note, which / an
to give to the gentleman who comes from
M. Ferrand."
tore open the missive. 1t contained
two cards, one bearing the name of the
duelist, and the second that of NJ. Fer
nand Delaraie, Rue Vivienne IS. Ger
tainly it was an off-hand way of .ac
quainting me with the name and where
abouts of Laroquiere's second, but as
wished to pick no quarrel, walked OF
to the Rue Vivienne, and in few min
utes was ushered into the presence o
M. Delaraie himself. This worthy wal
young man, aged about three-and
twenty, and dressed in tue very extreme
of fashion. His rufhes were immacu
late, and most symmetrically arranged
his face handkerchief was stepped il
essences; his gloves, which lay ON til,
table-for he had only just returned, a
Laroquiere's request, from the opera
we're small and delicate; his fingers wer
covered with valuable rings, and tn
bunch of gold seals depending from hi
fob was unusually heavy and brilliant
He did not strike me as appearing par
ticularly warlike; but, nevertheless, afte
formally saluting me, he at once touche
} upon the object of my visit, and befor
/ had been ten minutes in his cOmpan
had arranged to meet Ferrand and my
} self at a certain spot, dear to duelists {
the time, and to bring Laroquiere wit
him.
81 don't think We shall need a SUI
geon," he said to me quite afably q