Madame Derblay Stops the Duel 
 
Emile Bayard, Artist 
 
 
 
    MME. DERBLA Y (Claire), knowing that her husband and her former 
         betrothed, the Duc de Bligny, are to fight a duel, conceals herself
in 
         the small summer-house overlooking the field of battle. 
         Are you ready, gentlemen ? ' asked La Brdde in a firm voice. 
         Yes,' replied the Duc and Philippe, simultaneously. La Brdde at

once resumed, counting slowly: 
      ' One-two-three-four! 
      Claire saw the two pistols lowered threateningly. At this supreme 
moment she lost all self-control. An irresistible impulse urged her forward,

and with a shriek she bounded down the steps, and, eager to save Philippe,

clapped her hand upon the muý{le of Bligny's pistol. A loud report
was 
heard, and Claire turned as pale as death itself. Excitedly waving her 
gashed and bleeding hand, she shook it in Bligny's face, covering him with

blood. Then heaving a deep sigh, she tottered and fainted away. 
     " There was a moment of indescribable confusion.      The Duc had

 retreated, horror-stricken, when he felt this warm rain of blood upon his
face. 
 Philippe had darted forward, caught hold of Claire and taken her in his

 arms. 
                                     Georges Ohnet's - The Ironmaster."