She pursed up her lips disapprovingly.

"That's not very wise. And about your wife?"

"I shall go to law; I've proofs."

"Not at all wise, my dear boy. It's stupid even. You know I shall

And in her feeble voice she showed him decisively how useless and

scandalous a duel and a trial would be. He would be a nine days'

newspaper sensation; his whole existence would be at stake, his

peace of mind, his high situation at court, the honor of his name,