The Grey Cloak - Page 129/256

By the next morning all Quebec had heard of the double duel, and

speculation ran high as to the cause. All Quebec, to be sure, amounted

only to a few hundreds; and a genuine duel at this period was a rare

happening. So everybody knew that D'Hérouville and De Leviston were in

hospital, seriously though not dangerously wounded, and that Monsieur

de Saumaise was in the guardhouse, where, it was supposed, he would

remain for some time to come, in order that his hot blood might cool

appreciably. As for Monsieur d'Halluys, he was not under the

governor's direct jurisdiction, and was simply ordered to stay in his

room.

The officers and civilians respected the governor's command, and no

outsider gathered a word of information from them. The officers,

talking among themselves, secretly admired the poet's pluck. Like all

men of evil repute, De Leviston was a first-class swordsman and the

poet's stroke had lessened his fame. As for what had caused the fight

between the vicomte and D'Hérouville, they were somewhat at a loss to

say or account for. The governor himself was exceedingly wrathful. At

ten o'clock he summoned Victor to appear before him, to render a full

account of the affair. The savages made life hazardous enough, without

the additional terror of duels.

Victor found the governor alone, and for this he was thankful.

"Monsieur de Saumaise," De Lauson began, sternly, "I gave you credit

for being a young man of sense."

"And a man of heart, too, your Excellency, I hope," replied the poet,

valiantly.

"Heart? Is it heart to break the edict, to upset the peace of my

household, to set tongues wagging? Persons will want to know the cause

of this foolish duel. I am positive that it was fought contrary to the

Chevalier's wishes. He conducted himself admirably last night. You

have done more harm than good with your impetuosity. My command would

have been respected, and your friend's misfortune would have gone no

farther than my dining-room."

"And Monsieur de Leviston?" with a shade of irony which escaped the

governor.

"Would have remained silent on the pain of being sent back to France,

where the Bastille awaits him. He was exiled to this country, and he

may not leave it till the year sixty. De Maisonneuve would have stood

by me in the matter. So you see that you have blundered in the worst

possible manner."

"And the Vicomte d'Halluys?"

"If D'Hérouville dies, the vicomte shall return to France in irons."

"Monsieur," with a sign of heat, "there are some insults which can not

be treated with contempt. I should have proved myself a false friend

and a coward had I done otherwise than I did."

"What does the Chevalier say about your fighting his battles for him?"

asked the governor, quietly.