The Demi-Monde A Satire on Society Author:Alexandre Dumas, E. G. Squier This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1858. Excerpt: ... HlPPOLYTE. So it would appear! Oliver. This astonishes me! But how does it relate to the duel? HlPPOLYTE. It was De Nanjac himself who m... more »ade the restitution to the Marquis, and the latter, aware of the disagreement existing between you, profited by the occasion to tell De Nanjac that Madame d'Ange was unworthy of him, and that your conduct throughout had been that of a true friend. You know what a lover is when in a false position; the more the woman of his affections is attacked, the more does he consider it incumbent on him to defend her. Monsieur de Nanjac haughtily said to the Marquis,--" Sir, from the moment I restored to you all that Madame d'Ange owes to your generosity, it suited me to forget that she had ever been connected with you. As for Monsieur de Jalin, who commenced by assuring me that he was only a friend to Madame d'Ange, and who afterwards gave me to understand differently,--as for Monsieur de Jalin, whom I once considered my friend, but who has trifled with me, let him say to me, on his honor, that he has been the lady's lover, and I assure you that I will apologize to him, take him by the hand, and never again see Madame d'Ange!" Oliver. Have you finished? HlPPOLYTE. Yes; you see the duel cannot take place! Oliver. My poor Hippolyte! I feel grateful for your kind intentions, but you have wasted time--Oliver. Because Madame d'Ange is now out of the question! I only know two things--that there have been bitter words between De Nanjac and myself, and that to avoid a duel, by criminating a woman, however justly, is an act unworthy 'of a man of honor. Monsieur de Nanjac is a soldier; I am a man of the people. What would be the inference were this duel not to take place? Let things follow their own course! De Nanjac is more to be pitied than...« less