, had contrived to entrap the major, telling him some
abominable stories and prevailing upon him to insult and strike Burle
publicly. Who would have thought it of that old fogy Laguitte, who
professed to be a woman hater? they said. So he, too, had been caught
at last. Despite the general indignation against Melanie, this
adventure made her very conspicuous, and her establishment soon drove a
flourishing business.

On the following day the colonel summoned the major and the captain
into his presence. He censured them sternly, accusing them of disgracing
their uniform by frequenting unseemly haunts. What resolution had they
come to, he asked, as he could not authorize them to fight? This same
question had occupied the whole regiment for the last twenty-four hours.
Apologies were unacceptable on account of the blow, but as Laguitte was
almost unable to stand, it was hoped that, should the colonel insist
upon it, some reconciliation might be patched up.

"Come," said the colonel, "will you accept me as arbitrator?"

"I beg your pardon, Colonel," interrupted the major; "I have brought you
my resignation. Here it is. That settles everything. Please name the day
for the duel."

Burle looked at Laguitte in amazement, and the colonel thought it his
duty to protest.

"This is a most serious step, Major," he began. "Two years more and you
would be entitled to your full pension."

But again did Laguitte cut him short, saying gruffly, "That is my own
affair."

"Oh, certainly! Well, I will send in your resignation, and as soon as it
is accepted I will fix a day for the duel."

The unexpected turn that events had taken startled the regiment. What
possessed that lunatic major to persist in cutting the throat of his old
comrade Burle? The officers again discussed Melanie; they even began to
dream of her. There must surely be something wonderful about her since
she had completely fascinated two such tough old veterans and brought
them to a deadly feud. Morandot, having met Laguitte, did not disguise
his concern. If he--the major--was not killed, what would he live upon?
He had no fortune, and the pension to which his cross of the Legion of
Honor entitled him, with the half of a full regimental pension which
he would obtain on resigning, would barely find him in bread. While
Morandot was thus speaking Laguitte simply stared before him with his
round eyes, persevering in the dumb obstinacy born of his narrow mind;
and when his c