It's stupid even.

You know I shall never let you do that!" And in her feeble voice she showed him decisively how useless and scandalous a duel and a trial would be.

He would be a nine days' newspaper sensation; his whole existence would be at stake, his peace of mind, his high situation at court, the honor of his name, and all for what?
That he might have the laughers against him.
"What will it matter ?" he cried.

"I shall have had my revenge." "My pet," she said, "in a business of that kind one never has one's revenge if one doesn't take it directly." He paused and stammered.

He was certainly no poltroon, but he felt that she was right.