"My ugly head?" Coconnas roared, as he dismounted hastily. "Get down, and defend yourself."
"I thought I heard 'ugly head'," Henriette whispered. "Would you say it is that?"
"No," Marguerite laughed. "M. La Mole is unjust. He has a most charming head."
More slowly than Coconnas, La Mole came down from his horse. He took off his cherry-coloured cloak, showing the white satin doublet, drew his sword, and remained on the defensive.
"Oh!" cried Coconnas, as he made a first pass, and the sharp movement disturbed his wound.
"Oh!" cried La Mole? as he parried that opening thrust, for his shoulder also rebelled at the sudden strain. An uncontrollable burst of laughter came from the bushes, which reached the ears of the two combatants, and caused them to glance aside with what might have been
