he had acted like a fool, and that, if he hoped to escape from the
dangers that threatened him, he must take the advice of more experienced
men than himself. So, ceasing his recriminations, he began to describe
what he styled his explanation with Madame d'Argeles. All went well at
first; for he dared not misrepresent the facts.

But when he came to the intervention of the man who had prevented him
from striking his mother, he turned crimson, and rage again filled his
heart. "I'm sorry I let myself get into such a mess!" he exclaimed. "You
should have seen my condition. My shirt-collar was torn, and my
cravat hung in tatters. He was much stronger than I--the contemptible
scoundrel!--ah! if it hadn't been for that---- But I shall have my
revenge. Yes, he shall learn that he can't trample a man under foot
with impunity. To-morrow two of my friends will call upon him; and if he
refuses to apologize or to give me satisfaction, I'll cane him."

It was evident enough that M. de Coralth had to exercise considerable
constraint to listen to these fine projects. "I must warn you that you
ought to speak in other terms of an honorable and honored gentleman," he
interrupted, at last.

"Eh! what! You know him then?"

"Yes, Madame d'Argeles's defender is Baron Trigault."

M. Wilkie's heart bounded with joy, as he heard this name. "Ah! this
is capital!" he exclaimed. "What! So it was Baron Trigault--the noted
gambler--who owns such a magnificent house in the Rue de la Ville
l'Eveque, the husband of that extremely stylish lady, that notorious
cocotte----"

The viscount sprang from his chair, and interrupting M. Wilkie: "I
advise you, for the sake of your own safety," he said, measuring his
words to give them greater weight, "never to mention the Baroness
Trigault's name except in terms of the most profound respect."

There was no misunderstanding M. de Coralth's tone, and his glance said
plainly that he would not allow much time to pass before putting his
threat into execution. Having always lived in a lower circle to that in
which the baroness sparkled with such lively brilliancy, M. Wilkie was
ignorant of the reasons that induced his distinguished friend to defend
her so warmly; but he DID understand that it would be highly imprudent
to insist, or even to discuss the matter. So, in his most persuasive
manner, he resumed: "Let us say no more about the wife, but give our
attention to the husband. So it was the baron who insulted m