Evening journal. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1888-1932, 1922-07-05


discretion of which, madame you
mother must have been guilty"
The brutally affronting word
were sped beyond recall.
A dead silence followed. Andre
Louis wits were numbed. He stood
aghast. all thought suspended II
him, what time NJ. de Nilmorin''
eyes continued fixed upon NJ. de La
Tour d'Azyrs, as II searching there
for a meaning that eluded him. quite
suddenly he understood the vile
hffront. The blood leapt to his face
fire blazed in his gentle eyes. a con
vulsive CULVER shook him. Then'
with an inarticulate cry, he leaned
forward, and with his open hand
struck NJ. le Marquis full ana nara
upon his sneering face.
In a flash NJ. de Chabrillane was
IN his feet. between the two men.
Too late Andre-Louis had seen the
tran. lie Tour d'Azyr's words were
hut as a move in a game Of CHESS
calculated to exasperate his oppo-
mont into some such counter-moVe
ne this-a counter-move that LETT
him entirely at the others mercy
NJ. le Marquis looked on very
white save where NJ. de Vilmorin 5
fnger-prints began slowly to color
his face; bu. he said nothing more
Instead, it was NJ. de Chabriilane
who now did the talking taking up
his preconcerted part in TINS VIE
game.
"You realize, monsieur. what you
have done" said he. coldly to Fhll-
ippe. And you realize, Of course
what must inevitably follow
NJ. de Vilmorin had realized MOTH
inp The moor young man had acted
upon impulse. upon the instinct OF
decency and honor, never counting
the consequence. But he realized
them now at the sinister invitation
Of NJ. de Chabrillane, and If he de-
sired to avoid these consequences IL
was out of respect for his priestly
which strictly forbade
such adjustments of disputes as Nj.
de Chabrillane was clearly thrust
ing upon him.
He drew back. Let one affront
wipe out the other" said he, in
dull voice. 1.-THE balance is still in
NJ. lie Marquis favor. Let that con-
tent him"
Impossible" The Chevalier's
lips came together tightly. There
after he was suavity itself. but very
firm. "A blow has been struck, !
Your action would seem |
10 confirm the assumption that you |
found so offensive. But it does not |
on that account render you immune |
rom the consequences"
Il desire no immunity" flashed |
back the young seminarist, stung /
ly this fresh goad."
But he does not wear a sword, |
lghast
"That is easily amended. He may |
lave the loan Of mine"
Il mean, messieurs," Andre Louis |
insisted. between fear for his friend |
md indignation. that 1t is not his
habit to wear a sword, that he has |
iever worn one. that he is I'M
utored in its uses. He IS a semi
larist--a postulant for. holy orders,
lready half a priest, and so forbid
ZEN from such an engagement as
GU propose"
IAN that he should have remem-
'ered before he struck a blow" said
1. de Chabrillane, politely
1.-THE blow was deliberately pro-
oked," ragged Andre-Louis. Then
lie .esecovered himself though the
theirs naughty stare had no part in
hat recovery. 30 my God, / talk
q vainl How is one 20 argue
gainst a purpose formed! Come
way, Philippe. Don't you see the
rap ="
NJ De Vilmorin cut him short, and
ung him off. BE quiet, Andre. NJ.
e Marquis is entirely in the right"
m. le Marquis is in the right?"
.ndre-Louis let his arms fall help
essly. This man he loved above all
Their living men was caught in the
mare of the worlds insanity. He
'as barring his breast to the knife
Or the sake Of vague. distorted
ense of honor due to himself.
CHAPTER w
Within a few minutes, all ar
were concluded and that
inisterly intentioned little group OF
our assembled in the afternoon sun
hine on. the bowling-green behind
he inn.
There Were no formalities over
Measurements of blades or selection
( ground NJ. lie Marquis removed
is sword-belt and scabbard, but de-
considering It worth
lille for the sake of so negligible an !
pponent-to divest himself either Of
is shoes or his coat. Tall. 1.-the and
thletic, he stood to face the no less
III. but very delicate and frail, NJ.
e Vilmorin. The latter also dis
aimed TO make any of the usual
PREPARATIONS.
Continued i'm Our Next Issue.)