"It is a matter of long standing," said I.
"But a duel!" he cried, impatiently. "Hang me if I'll be your second
or let you fight. These are not the days of Richelieu. It is pure
murder. It is against the law."
"But I cannot draw back honorably," I said. "I cannot."
"I'll notify the police and have them stop it," he said with
determination.
"And have us all arrested and laughed at from one end of the continent
to the other. My dear cousin, that man shot the dearest friend I had
in the world. I am going to try to kill him at the risk of getting
killed myself. He has also insulted the noblest woman that ever lived.
If I backed down, I should be called a coward; the people who respect
me now would close their doors in my face."
"But you have everything to lose, and he has nothing to gain."
"It cannot be helped," said I. "The woman I love once fought a duel
for me; I cannot do less for her. You will be my second?"
"Yes. But if he wounds you, woe to him."
"Very well, I'll leave you," said I.
It was not far to the residence of Their Highnesses, so I walked. It
was a fine night, and the frost sang beneath my heels. I had never
fought a duel. This time no one would stand between. I was glad of
this. I wanted Gretchen to know that I, too, was brave, but hitherto
had lacked the opportunity to show it. It was really for her sake,
after all, even though it would be something to avenge poor Hillars.
And I wondered, as I walked along, would Gretchen and Phyllis love each
other? It was difficult to guess, since, though sisters, they were
utter strangers in lives and beliefs. Soon my journey came to an end,
and I found myself mounting the broad marble steps of the Hohenphalian
mansion. My heart beat swiftly and I had some difficulty in finding
the bell.
The liveried footman took my card.
"Present it to her Highness the Princess Hildegarde," I said, as I
passed into the hall.
"Her Serene Highness has left town, I believe, Your Excellency. Her
Serene Highness the Princess Elizabeth is dining at the palace."
"Gone?" said I.
"Yes, Your Excellency." He examined my card closely. "Ah, allow me to
deliver this note to you which Her Serene Highness directed me to do
should you call."