ace, when I remembered that in my
confusion I had neither asked my antagonist's name nor rank.

"And you, sir," said I, "may I have the honor to learn who you are?"

"Pardieu, my young friend!" cried one of the others; "The information
will not strengthen your nerves. But if you will have it, he is the
Marquis de Beauvais, and tolerably well known in that little locality
where he expects to meet you to-morrow."

"Till then, sir," replied I, touching my cap, as I turned into the
street; not, however, before a burst of laughter rang through the party
at a witticism of which I was the object, and the latter part of which
only could I catch.

It was De Beauvais who spoke: "In which case, Crillac, another artist
must take his measure."

The allusion could not be mistaken, and I confess I did not relish it
like the others.

I should, I fear, have fallen very low in the estimate of my companions
and associates could the real state of my heart at that moment have been
laid open to them. It was, I freely own, one of great depression. But an
hour ago, and life was opening before me with many a bright and cheerful
hope; and now in an instant was my fortune clouded. Let me not be
misunderstood: among the rules of the Polytechnique, duelling was
strictly forbidden; and although numerous transgressions occurred, so
determined was the head of the Government to put down the practice,
that the individuals thus erring were either reduced in rank or
their promotion stopped for a considerable period, while the personal
displeasure of Greneral Bonaparte rarely failed to show itself with
reference to them. Now, it was clear to me that some unknown
friend, some secret well-wisher, had interested himself in my humble
fate,--that I owed my newly acquired rank to his kindness and
good offices. What, then, might I not be forfeiting by this unhappy
rencontre? Was it not more than likely that such an instance of
misconduct, the very day of my promotion, might determine the whole
tenor of my future career? What misrepresentation might not gain
currency about my conduct? These were sad reflections indeed, and every
moment but increased them.

When I reached the college, I called on one of my friends; but not
finding him in his quarters, I wrote a few lines, begging he would come
over to me the moment he returned. This done, I sat down alone to think
over my adventure, and devise if I could some means to prevent its
publicity, or if not that,