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.