Answer, will you ?' 'It was!' I replied outright.
'Then take that!' he cried, dashing his hat violently in my face, 'and come outside.' 'With pleasure, Monsieur,' I answered, bowing; 'in one moment.

Permit me to find my sword.

I think that it is in the passage.' I went thither to get it.
When I returned, I found that the two men were waiting for me in the garden, while the ladies had risen from the table, and were standing near it with blanched faces.
'You had better take your sister upstairs, Mademoiselle,' I said gently, pausing a moment beside them.

'Have no fear.

All will be well.' But what is it ?' she answered, looking troubled.