In the remote corners of the saloon a few elderly dandies were laying bets as to the ultimate issue of the quarrel.
Deroulede, however, was beginning to lose his temper.

He had no friends in that room, and therefore there was no sympathetic observer there, to note the gradual darkening of his eyes, like the gathering of a cloud heavy with the coming storm.
"I pray you, messieurs, let us cease the argument," he said at last, in a loud, impatient voice.

"M.

le Vicomte de Marny desires a further lesson, and, by God! he shall have it.

En garde, M.le Vicomte!" The crowd quickly drew back.