The three newcomers had no need to make the slightest explanation.

Hardly had they alighted from the carriage, when the maid conducted them through the hall, where at that moment two huntsmen were breakfasting, their guns between their knees, and who, like true Romans, scarcely deigned to glance at the strangers, who passed from the common hall into a small court, from that court, through a shed, into a large field enclosed by boards, with here and there a few pine-trees.
That rather odd duelling-ground had formerly served Cibo as a paddock.
He had essayed to increase his slender income by buying at a bargain some jaded horses, which he intended fattening by means of rest and good fodder, and then selling to cabmen, averaging a small profit.

The speculation having miscarried, the place was neglected and unused, save under circumstances similar to those of this particular morning.
"We have arrived last," said Montfanon, looking at his watch; "we are, however, five minutes ahead of time.

Remember," he added in a low voice, turning to Florent, "to keep the body well in the background," these words being followed by other directions.
"Thanks," replied Florent, who looked at the Marquis and Dorsenne with a glance which he ordinarily had only for Lincoln, "and you know that, whatever may come, I thank you for all from the depths of my heart." The young man put so much grace in that adieu, his courage was so simple, his sacrifice for his brother-in-law so magnanimous and natural--in fact, for two days both seconds had so fully appreciated the charm of that disposition, absolutely free from thoughts of self--that they pressed his hand with the emotion of true friends.

They were themselves, moreover, interested, and at once began the series of preparations without which the role of assistant would be physically insupportable to persons endowed with a little sensibility.