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.