I am at a loss." Still Carford whispered, and presently the Duke said, "Come, gentlemen, you've fallen into a foolish quarrel where no quarrel need have come.

Pray be friends again." M.de Fontelles drew himself up stiffly.
"I asked a promise of that gentleman, and he refused it me," he said.
"And I asked an explanation of that gentleman, and he refused it me," said I, just as stiffly.
"Well, then, Mr Dale shall give his promise to me.

Will that be agreeable to you, Mr Dale ?" "I'm at your Grace's commands, in all things," I answered, bowing.
"And you'll tell nobody of M.de Fontelles' agitation ?" "If your Grace pleases.

To say the truth, I don't care a fig for his fierceness.

But the explanation, sir ?" "Why, to make all level," answered the Duke, smiling and fixing his gaze upon the Frenchman, "M.