"You shall answer me for this." I shook my head and smiled; but I made no sign of drawing.
"Monsieur, we must talk a while.

I think that you had better." He raised his sullen eyes to mine.

Perhaps the earnest impressiveness of my tones prevailed.

Be that as it may, his half-drawn sword was thrust back with a click, and "What have you to say ?" he asked.
"Be seated." I motioned him to a chair by the table and when he had taken it I sat down opposite to him.

Taking up a quill, I dipped it in the ink-horn that stood by, and drew towards me a sheet of paper.
"When you lured me into the wager touching Mademoiselle de Lavedan," said I calmly, "you did so, counting upon certain circumstances, of which you alone had knowledge, that should render impossible the urging of my suit.