"And one of these days you shall marry Suzanne." The Norman smiled sourly and went in search of the weapon.
"You have a poniard ?" Count Hannibal continued in the same tone of unusual good temper, which had already struck Tignonville.

"Excellent! Will you strip, then, or--as we are?
Very good, Monsieur; in the unlikely event of fortune declaring for you, you will be in a better condition to take care of yourself.

A man running through the streets in his shirt is exposed to inconveniences!" And he laughed gaily.
While he laughed the other listened; and his rage began to give place to wonder.

A man who regarded as a pastime a sword and dagger conflict between four walls, who, having his adversary in his power, was ready to discard the advantage, to descend into the lists, and to risk life for a whim, a fancy--such a man was outside his experience, though in Poitou in those days of war were men reckoned brave.

For what, he asked himself as he waited, had Tavannes to gain by fighting?
The possession of Mademoiselle?
But Mademoiselle, if his passion for her overwhelmed him, was in his power; and if his promise were a barrier--which seemed inconceivable in the light of his reputation--he had only to wait, and to- morrow, or the next day, or the next, a minister would be found, and without risk he could gain that for which he was now risking all.
Tignonville did not know that it was in the other's nature to find pleasure in such utmost ventures.