D. Severo. What duel?
D. Julian. [Aside to Severo.] I know nothing about it, but I shall presently.
Pepito. [Aside.] Come, I haven't been such a duffer after all.
D. Julian. [Speaking with an air of certainty.] We know there is a viscount
Pepito. Yes.
D. Julian. With whom Ernest proposes to fight—a certain trustworthy person has informed us, who was at once apprised of it. They say 'tis a serious matter [Pepito nods], a disgraceful quarrel in the presence of several witnesses [Pepito nods again]—the lie direct, and a deluge of bad language
Pepito. [Interrupts excitedly, glad of his more accurate information.] Language indeed!—a blow bigger than a monument
D. Severo. On which side?
Pepito. Ernest struck the viscount.
D. Julian. Of course Ernest struck the viscount. I thought you knew that, Severo. The viscount insulted him. Patience is not the lad's strong point—hence the blow.
Pepito. Exactly.
D. Julian. [Confidently.] I told you we knew the whole story. [Then anxiously.] The affair is serious?
Pepito. Most serious. I don't like discussing it, but since you know so much, there is no need for further mystery.
D. Julian. None whatever. [He approaches Pepito eagerly.]
Pepito. [After a pause, adopts an ominous air to announce bad news.] It is a matter of life and death. [Looks round
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