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"'"Now aeneral The president rose, appointed three eneral after bandaging his eyes One of those three members was the coachman who had driven them there The other members silently dispersed "Where do you wish to be taken?" asked the president--"Anywhere out of your presence," replied M d'Epinay "Beware, sir," replied the president, "you are no longer in the assembly, and have only to do with individuals; do not insult them unless you wish to be held responsible" But instead of listening, M d'Epinay went on,--"You are still as brave in your carriage as in your asseainst one" The president stopped the coach They were at that part of the Quai des Ormes where the steps lead down to the river "Why do you stop here?" asked d'Epinay

"'"Because, sir," said the president, "you have insulted a o one step farther without de honorable reparation"

"'"Anotherhis shoulders

"'"Make no noise, sir, unless you wish me to consider you as one of the men of whom you spoke just now as cowards, who take their weakness for a shield You are alone, one alone shall answer you; you have a sword by your side, I have one in entlee" The general tore the handkerchief from his eyes "At last," said he, "I shall knohohted'"

Franz again interrupted himself, and wiped the cold drops fro the son read aloud in tre pallor these details of his father's death, which had hitherto been a mystery Valentine clasped her hands as if in prayer Noirtier looked at Villefort with an almost sublime expression of contempt and pride Franz continued:-"'It was, as we said, the fifth of February For three days theand the steps were covered with ice The general was stout and tall, the president offered hi down The titnesses followed It was a dark night The ground from the steps to the river was covered with snow and hoarfrost, the water of the river looked black and deep One of the seconds went for a lantern in a coal-barge near, and by its light they examined the weapons The president's sword, which was simply, as he had said, one he carried in his cane, was five inches shorter than the general's, and had no guard The general proposed to cast lots for the swords, but the president said it was he who had given the provocation, and when he had given it he had supposed each would use his own arms The witnesses endeavored to insist, but the president bade theround, the two adversaries took their stations, and the duel began The light ; as for the reat