No, no; I will not give you one day, even." "You are mad, monsieur," said De Wardes, retreating a step.
"And you are a coward, if you do not fight willingly.

Nay, what is more, I will denounce you to the king, as having refused to fight, after having insulted La Valliere." "Ah!" said De Wardes, "you are dangerously treacherous, though you pass for a man of honor." "There is nothing more dangerous than the treachery, as you term it, of the man whose conduct is always loyal and upright." "Restore me the use of my legs, then, or get yourself bled, till you are as white as I am, so as to equalize our chances." "No, no; I have something better than that to propose." "What is it ?" "We will fight on horseback, and will exchange three pistol-shots each.
You are a first rate marksman.

I have seen you bring down swallows with single balls, and at full gallop.

Do not deny it, for I have seen you myself." "I believe you are right," said De Wardes; "and as that is the case, it is not unlikely I might kill you." "You would be rendering me a very great service, if you did." "I will do my best." "Is it agreed?
Give me your hand upon it." "There it is: but on one condition, however." "Name it." "That not a word shall be said about it to the king." "Not a word, I swear." "I will go and get my horse, then." "And I, mine." "Where shall we meet ?" "In the plain; I know an admirable place." "Shall we go together ?" "Why not ?" And both of them, on their way to the stables, passed beneath Madame's windows, which were faintly lighted; a shadow could be seen behind the lace curtains.

"There is a woman," said De Wardes, smiling, "who does not suspect that we are going to fight--to die, perhaps, on her account.".