The gentlemen left the table with him.

Outside, Victor approached D'Hérouville, ignoring De Leviston. The
vicomte followed in the rear.

"Monsieur d'Hérouville, you have a bad heart," said the poet. "You
have laughed insolently at a man whose misfortune is none of his own
making. You are a poltroon and a coward!"

The vicomte interposed. "D'Hérouville, listen to me. After what has
happened you will refuse to meet the Chevalier."

"I certainly shall."

"I am at your service," said the vicomte.

"D'Halluys," cried the poet, "you have no right to interfere."

"Stand aside, Monsieur de Saumaise." The vicomte pressed the poet back.

"Vicomte," said D'Hérouville, "I will not fight you to-night."

"I am certain. Here is a phrase which leaves no misunderstanding." The
vicomte slapped D'Hérouville in the face.

"Damnation!" D'Hérouville fell back.

Victor turned to De Leviston. "I will waive the question of
gentleman," and he struck De Leviston even as the vicomte had struck