"Give the word, old fellow!" said Jacques, interrupting Ninny Moulin, "or I will give it myself."
"Since you will have it so--so be it!"
"The first who gives in is conquered," said Jacques.
"Agreed!" answered Morok.
"Come, gentlemen, attention! we must follow every movement," resumed Ninny Moulin."Let us first see if the bottles are of the same size--
equality of weapons being the foremost condition."
During these preparations, profound silence reigned in the room.The courage of the majority of those present, animated for a moment by the arrival of the punch, was soon again depressed by gloomy thoughts, as they vaguely foresaw the danger of the contest between Morok and Jacques.
This impression joined to the sad thoughts occasioned by the incident of the coffin, darkened by degrees many a countenance.Some of the guests, indeed, continued to make a show of rejoicing, but their gayety appeared forced.Under certain circumstances, the smallest things will have the most powerful effect.We have said that, after sunset, a portion of this large room was plunged in obscurity; therefore, the guests who sat in the remote corners of the apartment, had no other light than the reflection of the flaming punch.Now it is well known, that the flame of burning spirit throws a livid, bluish tint over the countenance; it was therefore a strange, almost frightful spectacle, to see a number of the guests, who happened to be at a distance from the windows, in this ghastly and fantastic light.
The painter, more struck than all the rest by this effect of color, exclaimed: "Look! at this end of the table, we might fancy ourselves feasting with cholera-patients, we are such fine blues and greens.
This jest was not much relished.Fortunately, the loud voice of Ninny Moulin demanded attention, and for a moment turned the thoughts of the company.