It is true I had not sought the duel deliberately and had not thought it possible one second before uttering the word that made it necessary.

Still it was my act that brought it about, and I felt that I had taken an unmanly course.
After leaving Count Anthony I walked across the room to where Mary was standing at the outer edge of a circle of ladies and gentlemen who surrounded De Grammont, listening to a narrative in broken English, of his adventures, fancied or real, I know not which, but interesting, and all of a questionable character.
When I spoke to Mary, she turned and gave me her hand.

I had not expected the least display of emotion on her part; therefore I was not disappointed when the smile with which she greeted me was the same she would have given to any other man.

But Mary was Mary.

Nature and art had made her what she was--charming, quiescent, and calm, not cold, simply lukewarm.
"I have seen little of you this last month," said Mary, taking my arm and walking with me away from De Grammont's group.