"And I," said Raynal, losing his temper, "insist, in the name of my dear
Josephine"--
"Perdition!" snarled Dujardin, losing his self-command in turn.
"And of the whole family."
"And I tell you I will never marry her. Upon my honor, never."
"Your honor! you have none. The only question is would you rather marry
her--or die."
"Die, to be sure."
"Then die you shall."
"Ah!" said Dujardin; "did I not tell you we were wasting time?
"Let us waste no more then. WHEN and WHERE?"
"At the rear of the commander-in-chief's tent; when you like."
"This afternoon, then--at five."
"At five."
"Seconds?"
"What for?"
"You are right. They are only in the way of men who carry sabres; and
besides the less gossip the better. Good-by, till five," and the two
saluted one another with grim ceremony; and Raynal turned on his heel.
Camille stood transfixed; a fierce, guilty joy throbbed in his heart.
His rival had quarrelled with him, had insulted him, had challenged him.
It was not his fault. The sun shone bright now upon his cold despair.
An hour ago life offered nothing.
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