"Are you not ashamed of yourself," I said to him, "to have denounced
us to the Commandant, after having given me your word you would not
do so?"

"As God is holy, I said nothing to Ivan Mironoff. Basilia drew it all
from me. She took all the necessary measures without the knowledge of
the Commandant. Thank God it finished as it did." He went to his
room; I remained with Alexis.

"Our affair can not end thus," I remarked.

"Certainly not," replied Alexis. "You shall pay me with your blood for
your impertinence, but as undoubtedly we shall be watched, let us feign
for a few days. Until then, adieu!"

We separated as if nothing had happened. I returned to the
Commandant's, and seated myself as usual near Marie. Her father was
absent and her mother busy with household duties. We spoke in subdued
tones. Marie reproached me gently for the pain my quarrel with Alexis
gave her. "My heart failed me," she said, "when I heard you were going
to fight with swords. How strange men are! For a word, they are ready
to strangle each other, and sacrifice, not only their own life, but
even the honor and happiness of those who-- I am sure you did not
begin the quarrel? Alexis was the aggressor?"

"Why do you think so?"

"Because he is so sarcastic. I do not like him, and yet I would not
displease him, although he is quite disagreeable to me."