porteurs de chaise,"

and a man entered. He wore a sword by his side, a magnificent naval
uniform, covered with gold lace, and held in his hand a plumed hat with
loops and cockade. Gwynplaine sprang up erect as if moved by springs. He
recognized the man, and was, in turn, recognized by him. From their
astonished lips came, simultaneously, this double exclamation:--

"Gwynplaine!"

"Tom-Jim-Jack!"

The man with the plumed hat advanced towards Gwynplaine, who stood with
folded arms.

"What are you doing here, Gwynplaine?"

"And you, Tom-Jim-Jack, what are you doing here?"

"Oh! I understand. Josiana! a caprice. A mountebank and a monster! The
double attraction is too powerful to be resisted. You disguised yourself
in order to get here, Gwynplaine?"

"And you, too, Tom-Jim-Jack?"

"Gwynplaine, what does this gentleman's dress mean?"

"Tom-Jim-Jack, what does that officer's uniform mean?"

"Gwynplaine, I answer no questions."

"Neither do I, Tom-Jim-Jack."

"Gwynplaine, my name is not Tom-Jim-Jack."

"Tom-Jim-Jack, my name is not Gwynplaine."

"Gwynplaine, I am here in my own house."

"I am here in my own house, Tom-Jim-Jack."

"I will not have you echo my words. You are ironical; but I've got a
cane. An end to your jokes, you wretched fool."

Gwynplaine became ashy pale. "You are a fool yourself, and you shall
give me satisfaction for this insult."

"In your booth as much as you like, with fisticuffs."

"Here, and with swords?"

"My friend Gwynplaine, the sword is a weapon for gentlemen. With it I
can only fight my equals. At fisticuffs we are equal, but not so with
swords. At the Tadcaster Inn Tom-Jim-Jack could box with Gwynplaine; at
Windsor the case is altered. Understand this: I am a rear-admiral."

"And I am a peer of England."

The man whom Gwynplaine recognized as Tom-Jim-Jack burst out laughing.
"Why not a king? Indeed, you are right. An actor plays every part.
You'll tell me next that you are Theseus, Duke of Athens."

"I am a peer of England, and we are going to fight."

"Gwynplaine, this becomes tiresome. Don't play with one who can order
you to be flogged. I am Lord David Dirry-Moir."

"And I am Lord Clancharlie."

Again Lord David burst out laughing.

"Well said! Gwynplaine is Lord Clancharlie. That is indeed the name the
man must bear who is to win Josiana. Listen. I forgive you; and do you
know the reason? It's because we are both lovers of the same woman."

The curtain