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Rh one of the most skilful swordsmen in France. Let me place distinctly before your eyes the fact that in going out with me your husband runs no risk, for he encounters a certainty. I implore you to use your influence to check him, if you have any regard for him, for if I cross swords with him, I assure you, on my honour, that I will kill him."

Céline was deadly pale, but her resolution did not desert her.

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

"Good. It shall be as you will. I make but one stipulation—that the fact that I have consented to meet an actor shall never be known to any but ourselves."

"You have my promise," said De Quillac.

"And mine," said Céline.

"Then, sir," said the Duke, "if you will be so good as to lead the way, I will do myself the honour to follow you."

De Quillac turned to his wife, and, taking her in his arms, kissed her fondly.

"I am ready. Monsieur," said he,

And the Duke and the actor went through the double doors into the garden.

At this point the full significance of the Duke's warning seemed to dawn upon her. The loss that she was, almost to a certainty, about to sustain—the knowledge that this great risk was undertaken on her behalf, with her consent, and almost at her instigation, destroyed the stern stuff of which the woman was made. She rushed to the door that had just closed.