would be unpleasant to incur a suspicion of murder?'
'I agree as to that. But there is a means of avoiding that painful reproach. We shall have no seconds, but we can have a witness.'
'And whom, allow me to inquire?'
'Why, Piotr.'
'What Piotr?'
'Your brother's valet. He's a man who has attained to the acme of contemporary culture, and he will perform his part with all the comilfo (comme il faut) necessary in such cases.'
'I think you are joking, sir.'
'Not at all. If you think over my suggestion, you will be convinced that it's full of common-sense and simplicity. You can't hide a candle under a bushel; but I'll undertake to prepare Piotr in a fitting manner, and bring him on to the field of battle.'
'You persist in jesting still,' Pavel Petrovitch declared, getting up from his chair. 'But after the courteous readiness you have shown me, I have no right to pretend to lay down.... And so, everything is arranged.... By the way, perhaps you have no pistols?'
'How should I have pistols, Pavel Petrovitch? I'm not in the army.'
'In that case, I offer you mine. You may
