Surely--surely, sir, you do not think--" "I'll not endure it," he broke in.

"You shall answer to me for this." "Have a care, sir," I cried in alarm as he rushed forward.

"Have a care, sir, lest you trip over your sword." He halted, drew himself up, and, with a magnificent gesture: "I am Armand de Malpertuis, lieutenant of his Majesty's guards," he announced, "and I shall be grateful if you will do me the honour of taking a turn with me, outside." "I am flattered beyond measure, M.Malappris--" "Mal-per-tuis," he corrected furiously.
"Malpertuis," I echoed.

"I am honoured beyond words, but I do not wish to take a turn." "Mille diables, sir! Don't you understand?
We must fight." "Must we, indeed?
Again I am honoured; but, Monsieur, I don't fight sparrows." "Gentlemen! Gentlemen!" cried St.Auban, thrusting himself between us.
"Malpertuis, have the goodness to wait until one affair is concluded before you create a second one.

Now, M.de Luynes, will you tell me whether M.de Mancini is here or not ?" "What if he should be ?" "You will be wise to withdraw--we shall be three to two." "Three to two! Surely, Marquis, your reckoning is at fault.