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342 have dared to inflict upon us, we have devised this plan to get you into our power."

"And this is with your consent, Madame?"

"Entirely."

"What do you wish me to do?"

"Those doors lead to the garden. You must fight me there, to-night."

"And if I refuse?"

"I will kill you where you stand."

"But you are an actor, and, by your profession, proscribed. I cannot fight an actor."

"Monsieur, I have laboured long and wearily to attain the position which I have just achieved—that of a member of the Theatre Français. It has been the aim of my ambition, and that long-coveted reward has, within the last few days, been conferred on me. Here is my engagement, signed and sealed. By this act"—and here he tore the paper into two pieces—"I annul my engagement, and I pledge you my honour that under no circumstances will I ever appear on the stage again. Now, M. le Duc, I am no longer an actor, and you cannot refuse to meet me."

"Madame," said Richelieu, turning to Céline, "I have no desire to injure you or your husband. I have wronged you sufficiently, and I would willingly make amends. I implore you not to expose your husband to the danger he is courting."

Céline's lip quivered for a moment; it was for a moment only.

"Monsieur le Duc, you must fight my husband."

"Let me remind you," said the Duke, "that I am