He scarcely knew what to think or what to say.
But he thought to himself, "Who has told him? does he know all?"
"Colonel Dujardin, I am the husband of Josephine, the son of Madame de
Beaurepaire, and the brother of Rose. You know very well what brings me
here. Your answer?"
"Colonel Raynal, between men of honor, placed as you and I are, few
words should pass, for words are idle. You will never prove to me that
I have wronged you: I shall never convince you that I have not. Let us
therefore close this painful interview in the way it is sure to close. I
am at your service, at any hour and place you please."
"And pray is that all the answer you can think of?" asked Raynal
somewhat scornfully.
"Why, what other answer can I give you?"
"A more sensible, a more honest, and a less boyish one. Who doubts that
you can fight, you silly fellow? haven't I seen you? I want you to show
me a much higher sort of courage: the courage to repair a wrong, not the
paltry valor to defend one."
"I really do not understand you, sir. How can I undo what is done?"
"Why, of course you cannot.
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