"It will avail you nothing.

My sister's tears may have weighed lightly with you, but you shall pay the price of them, and of the slight you have put upon her." "My God, Marsac!" cried the other, roused to an equal fierceness.

"Will you explain ?" "Aye," snarled Marsac, and his sword flashed from his scabbard, "I'll explain.

As God lives, I'll explain--with this!" And he whirled his blade under the eyes of the invalid.

"Come, my master, the comedy's played out.