xmas of whom the church
has made a saint for that one appeal: 'Remember me, Lord, in Thy
kingdom!' But we have arrived. Stoop, that you may not spoil your hat.
Now, what do you want with me? You know the motto of the Montfanons:
'Excelsior et firmior'--Always higher and always firmer.... One can never
do too many good deeds. If it be possible, 'present', as we said to the
rollcall."

A singular mixture of fervor and of good-nature, of enthusiastic
eloquence and of political or religious fanaticism, was Montfanon. But
the good-nature rapidly vanished from his face, at once so haughty and so
simple, in proportion as Dorsenne's story proceeded. The writer, indeed,
did not make the error of at once formulating his proposition. He felt
that he could not argue with the pontifical zouave of bygone days. Either
the latter would look upon it as monstrous and absurd, or he would see in
it a charitable duty to be accomplished, and then, whatever annoyance the
matter might occasion him, he would accept it, as he would bestow alms.
It was that chord of generosity which Julien, diplomatic for once in his
life, essayed to touch by his confidence. Gaining authority by their
conversation of a few days before, he related all he could of Gorka's
visit, concealing the fact of that word of honor so falsely given, which
still oppressed him with a mortal weight. He told how he had soothed the
madman, how he conducted him to the station, then he described the
meeting of the two rivals twenty-four hours later. He dwelt upon Alba's
manner that evening and the infamy of the anonymous letters written to
Madame Steno's discarded lover and to her daughter. And after he had
reported the mysterious quarrel which had suddenly arisen between Gorka
and Chapron:

"I, therefore, promised to be his second," he concluded, "because I
believe it my absolute duty to do all I can to prevent the duel from
taking place. Only think of it. If it should take place, and if one of
them is killed or wounded, how can the affair be kept secret in this
gossiping city of Rome? And what remarks it will call forth! It is
evident that these two boys have quarrelled only on account of the
relations between Madame Steno and Maitland. By what strange coincidence?
Of that I know nothing.

"But there will not be a doubt in public opinion. And can you not see
additional anonymous letters written to Alba, Madame Gorka, Madame
Maitland?.... The men I do not care for.... Two out of