Tardy decision was the stumbling-block in
the path of this well meaning man. Problems irritated him; and in his
secret heart he wished he had never seen the Chevalier, D'Herouville,
the poet, or the vicomte, since they upset his quiet. He had enough to
do with public affairs without having private ones thrust gratuitously
upon his care. "Well, well," he said, reseating himself; "you know my
wishes. Nothing but publicity will come of duels and brawls, and
publicity is the last thing the Chevalier is seeking. I feel genuinely
sorry for him. The stain on his name does not prevent him from being a
brave man and a gentleman. Control yourself, Monsieur de Saumaise, and
the day will come when you will thank me for the advice. As you have
no incentive for running away, I will put you on your word, and the
vicomte also. You may go. While I admire the spirit which led you to
take up the Chevalier's cause, I deplore it. Who, then, will succeed
Monsieur le Marquis?"
"That is a question I can not answer. To the best of my knowledge, no
one will succeed Monsieur le Marquis de Perigny."
"So this is what brought him over here? What brought you?"
"Friendship for him, an empty purse and a pocketful of ambition.
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