assels of his dressing-gown as he spoke. "Could I be
expected to divine that there was a de Sigognac hidden under that
grotesque costume, and behind that absurd false nose?"

"As to your first question," the marquis replied, "I can answer it in
one word--Isabelle. Between ourselves, I believe that the young baron is
desperately in love with her. Indeed, he makes no secret of that fact;
and, not having been able to induce her to remain with him in his
chateau, he has joined the troupe of which she is a member, in order
to pursue his love affair. You certainly ought not to find this gallant
proceeding in bad taste, since you also admire the fair object of his
pursuit."

"No; I admit all that you say. But you, in your turn, must acknowledge
that I could not be cognisant of this extraordinary romance by
inspiration, and that the action of Captain Fracasse was impertinent."

"Impertinent for an actor, I grant you," said the marquis, "but
perfectly natural, indeed inevitable, for a gentleman, resenting
unauthorized attentions to his mistress, and angry at an affront offered
to her. Now Captain Fracasse throws aside his mask, and as Baron de
Sigognac sends you by me his challenge to fight a duel, and demands
redress in that way for the insult you have offered him."

"But who is to guarantee me that this pretended Baron de Sigognac, who
actually appears on the stage before the public with a company of low
buffoons as one of themselves, is not a vulgar, intriguing rascal,
usurping an honourable name, in the hope of obtaining the honour of
crossing swords with the Duke of Vallombreuse?"

"Duke," said the Marquis de Bruyeres, with much dignity, and some
severity of tone, "_I_ would not serve as second to any man who was
not of noble birth, and of honourable character. I know the Baron de
Sigognac well. His chateau is only a few leagues from my estate. I will
be his guarantee. Besides, if you still persist in entertaining any
doubts with regard to his real rank, I have here with me all the proofs
necessary to convince you of his right to the ancient and distinguished
name of Sigognac. Will you permit me to call in my servant, who is
waiting in the antechamber? He will give you all those documents, for
which I am personally responsible."

"There is no need," Vallombreuse replied courteously; "your word
is sufficient. I accept his challenge. My friend, the Chevalier de
Vidalinc, who is my guest at present, will be my second; wi