You certainly ought not to find this gallant proceeding in bad taste, since you also admire the fair object of his pursuit." "No; I admit all that you say.

But you, in your turn, must acknowledge that I could not be cognisant of this extraordinary romance by inspiration, and that the action of Captain Fracasse was impertinent." "Impertinent for an actor, I grant you," said the marquis, "but perfectly natural, indeed inevitable, for a gentleman, resenting unauthorized attentions to his mistress, and angry at an affront offered to her.

Now Captain Fracasse throws aside his mask, and as Baron de Sigognac sends you by me his challenge to fight a duel, and demands redress in that way for the insult you have offered him." "But who is to guarantee me that this pretended Baron de Sigognac, who actually appears on the stage before the public with a company of low buffoons as one of themselves, is not a vulgar, intriguing rascal, usurping an honourable name, in the hope of obtaining the honour of crossing swords with the Duke of Vallombreuse ?" "Duke," said the Marquis de Bruyeres, with much dignity, and some severity of tone, "_I_ would not serve as second to any man who was not of noble birth, and of honourable character.

I know the Baron de Sigognac well.

His chateau is only a few leagues from my estate.