CHAPTER XX.

by Alexandre Dumas

　　LUCIEN'S appearance created quite a sensation in consequence of hisremarkable likeness to his brother.The news of Louis' death had gone abroad--not, perhaps, in all itsdetails, but it was known, and Lucien's appearance astonished many.I requested a private room, saying that we were expecting the BaronGiordano, and we got a room at the end.Lucien began to read the papers carelessly, as if he were oblivious ofeverything.While we were seated at breakfast Giordano arrived.The two young men had not met for four or five years, nevertheless, afirm clasp of the hand was the only demonstration they permittedthemselves."Well, everything is settled," he said."Then M. de Chateau Renaud has accepted?""Yes, on condition, however, that after he has fought you he shall beleft in peace.""Oh, he may be quite easy; I am the last of the de Franchi. Have youseen him, or his seconds?""I saw him; he will notify MM. de Boissy and de Chateaugrand. Theweapons, the hour and the place will be the same.""Capital, sit down and have some breakfast."The Baron seated himself, and we spoke on indifferent topics.After breakfast Lucien begged us to introduce him to the Commissionerof Police, who had sealed up his brother's property, and to theproprietors of the house at which his brother had lived, for he wishedto sleep that night, the last night that separated him from hisvengeance, in Louis' room.All these arrangements took up time, so it was not till five o'clockthat Lucien entered his brother's apartment. Respecting his grief, weleft him there alone.We had arranged to meet him again next morning at eight o'clock, andhe begged me to bring the same pistols, and to buy them if they werefor sale.I went to Devismes and purchased the weapons. Next morning, at eighto'clock I was with Lucien.When I entered, he was seated writing at the same table, where hisbrother had sat writing. He smiled when he saw me, but he was verypale."Good morning," he said, "I am writing to my mother.""I hope you will be able to write her a less doleful letter than poorLouis wrote eight days ago.""I have told her that she may rest happy, for her son is avenged.""How are you able to speak with such certainty?""Did not my brother announce to you his own approaching death? Well,then, I announce to you the death of M. de Chateau Renaud."He rose as he spoke, and touching me on the temple, said--"There, that's where I shall put my bullet.""And yourself?""I shall not be touched.""But, at least, wait for the issue of the duel, before you send yourletter.""It would be perfectly useless."He rang, the servant appeared."Joseph," said he, "take this letter to the post.""But have you seen your dead brother?""Yes," he answered.It is a very strange thing the occurrence of these two duels so closetogether, and in each of which one of the two combatants was doomed.While we were talking the Baron Giordano arrived. It was eighto'clock, so we started.Lucien was very anxious to arrive first, so we were on the field tenminutes before the hour.Our adversaries arrived at nine o'clock punctually. They came onhorseback, followed by a groom also on horseback.M. de Chateau Renaud had his hand in the breast of his coat. I atfirst thought he was carrying his arm in a sling.The gentlemen dismounted twenty paces from us, and gave their bridlesto the groom.Monsieur de Chateau Renaud remained apart, but looked steadfastly atLucien, and I thought he became paler. He turned aside and amusedhimself knocking off the little flowers with his riding whip."Well, gentlemen, here we are!" said MM. de Chateaugrand and deBoissy, "but you know our conditions. This duel is to be the last, andno matter what the issue may be, M. de Chateau Renaud shall not haveto answer to any one for the double result.""That is understood," we replied. Then Lucien bowed assent."You have the weapons, gentlemen?" said the Viscount."Here are the same pistols.""And they are unknown to M. de Franchi?""Less known to him than to M. de Chateau Renaud who has already usedthem once. M. de Franchi has not even seen them.""That is sufficient, gentlemen. Come, Chateau Renaud!"We immediately entered the wood, and each one felt, as he revisitedthe fatal spot, that a tragedy more terrible still was about to beenacted.We soon arrived in the little dell.M. de Chateau Renaud, thanks to his great self-command, appeared quitecalm, but those who had seen both encounters could appreciate thedifference.From time to time he glanced under his lids at Lucien, and his furtivelooks denoted a disquietude approaching to fear.Perhaps it was the great resemblance between the brothers that struckhim, and he thought he saw in Lucien the avenging shade of Louis.While they were loading the pistols I saw him draw his hand from thebreast of his coat. The fingers were enveloped in a handkerchief as ifto prevent their twitching.Lucien waited calmly, like a man who was sure of his vengeance.Without being told, Lucien walked to the place his brother hadoccupied, which compelled Chateau Renaud to take up his position asbefore.Lucien received his weapon with a joyous smile.When Chateau Renaud took his pistol he became deadly pale. Then hepassed his hand between his cravat and his neck as if he weresuffocating.No one can conceive with what feelings of terror I regarded this youngman, handsome, rich, and elegant, who but yesterday believed he hadmany years still before him, and who to-day, with the sweat on hisbrow and agony at his heart, felt he was condemned."Are you ready, gentlemen?" asked M. de Chateaugrand."Yes," replied Lucien.M. de Chateau Renaud made a sign in the affirmative.As for me I was obliged to turn away, not daring to look upon thescene.I heard the two successive clappings of the hands, and at the thirdthe simultaneous reports of the pistols. I turned round.Chateau Renaud was lying on the ground, stark dead; he had not uttereda sound nor made a movement.I approached the body, impelled by that invincible curiosity whichcompels one to see the end of a catastrophe.The bullet had entered the dead man's temple, at the very spot thatLucien had indicated to me previously.I ran to him, he was calm and motionless, but seeing me coming towardshim he let fall the pistol, and threw himself into my arms."Ah, my brother, my poor brother!" he cried as he burst into a passionof sobs.These were the first tears that the young man had shed.