Apologies were unacceptable on account of the blow, but as Laguitte was
almost unable to stand, it was hoped that, should the colonel insist
upon it, some reconciliation might be patched up.
"Come," said the colonel, "will you accept me as arbitrator?"
"I beg your pardon, Colonel," interrupted the major; "I have brought you
my resignation. Here it is. That settles everything. Please name the day
for the duel."
Burle looked at Laguitte in amazement, and the colonel thought it his
duty to protest.
"This is a most serious step, Major," he began. "Two years more and you
would be entitled to your full pension."
But again did Laguitte cut him short, saying gruffly, "That is my own
affair."
"Oh, certainly! Well, I will send in your resignation, and as soon as it
is accepted I will fix a day for the duel."
The unexpected turn that events had taken startled the regiment. What
possessed that lunatic major to persist in cutting the throat of his old
comrade Burle? The officers again discussed Melanie; they even began to
dream of her. There must surely be something wonderful about her since
she had completely fascinated two such tough old veterans and brought
them to a deadly feud.
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