ll you be
good enough to consult with him as to the necessary arrangements? I will
agree to anything you may propose--fight him when and where you please,
and with any weapons he likes best; though I will confess that I should
like to see whether the Baron de Sigognac can defend himself against
a gentleman's sword as successfully as Captain Fracasse did against my
lackeys' cudgels. The charming Isabelle shall crown the conqueror in
this tournament, as the fair ladies crowned the victorious knights in
the grand old days of chivalry. But now allow me to retire and finish my
toilet. The Chevalier de Vidalinc will be with you directly. I kiss your
hand, valiant marquis, as our Spanish neighbours say."

With these courteous words the Duke of Vallombreuse bowed with studied
deference and politeness to his noble guest, and lifting the heavy
portiere of tapestry that hung over the door opening into his
dressing-room, passed through it and vanished. But a very few moments
had elapsed when the Chevalier de Vidalinc joined the marquis, and they
lost no time in coming to an understanding as to the conditions of
the duel. As a matter of course, they selected swords--the gentleman's
natural weapon--and the meeting was fixed for the following morning,
early; as de Sigognac, with his wonted consideration for his humble
comrades, did not wish to fight that same day, and run the risk of
interfering with the programme Herode had announced for the evening,
in case of his being killed or wounded. The rendezvous was at a certain
spot in a field outside the walls of the town, which was level, smooth,
well sheltered from observation, and advantageous in every way--being
the favourite place of resort for such hostile meetings among the
duellists of Poitiers.

The Marquis de Bruyeres returned straightway to the Armes de France, and
rendered an account of the success of his mission to de Sigognac; who
thanked him warmly for his services, and felt greatly relieved, now
that he was assured of having the opportunity to resent, as a gentleman
should do, the affront offered to his adored Isabelle.

The representation was to begin very early that evening, and all day
the town crier went about through the streets, beating his drum lustily,
and, whenever he had gathered a curious crowd around him, stopping and
announcing the "great attractions--offered for that evening by Herode's
celebrated troupe." Immense placards were posted upon the walls of
the