ARGUMENT TO THE THIRD ACT

ït is early morning, and young Vanderk enters with his servant, anxious to get away without being heard (Se. i.). But (Se. ii.) he has not got the keys and must wake Antoine. How shall he explain his departure ? Then it turns out that Antoine has not got the keys: he must get them for him from his father (Se. iii.). While Antoine has gone he refleets on the sad neeessity of leaving his home on such a day and in such a manner (Se. iv.), and, as he does so, his father enters (Se. v.), and asks where he is going so early. The son explains— a young offieer has ealled men of business generally a set of rogues — it was done deliberately — he has felt his father insulted — has taken up the quarrel and they are to fight that very morning. M. Vanderk argues with him and insists on his staying at home — meantime he himself will endeavour to save both his son's honour and his life. But the son eseapes and goes off to fight unknown to his father, who calls in Antoine (Se. vi.) and sends him (Se. vii.) for a letter to his son's room. Meantime he gives vent (Se. viii.) to some natural feelings on the misérable selfishness of duelling, and when Antoine returns (Se. ix.) to say that his son has gone, he is in despair, but reeovers himself, and insists on the v^^hole matter being kept a secret.