I cannot find a friend, because everybody is dancing this abominable cotillon.

Perhaps you can help me," he added, looking at his father rather doubtfully.

To his surprise and considerable relief the old Prince burst into a hearty laugh.
"Of course," he cried.

"What do you take me for?
Do you think I would desert my boy in a fight?
Go and call my carriage, and wait for me while I pick up somebody for a witness; we can talk on the way home." The old Prince had been a duellist in his day, and he would no more have thought of advising his son not to fight than of refusing a challenge himself.

He was, moreover, exceedingly bored at the ball, and not in the least sleepy.