The thought of a duel made me feel sick. 

 'Robert, I perfectly understand that you feel the need to call him out, but please don't! Or, if you must, do not kill him!'

 He looked at me in considerable surprise. 

 'You cannot still have feelings for this scoundrel!'

 'Of course I do not! I am thinking of you.'

 'Why? Surely, whatever the outcome, it can only be good for you? If he kills me then you are free, if I kill him I will have to flee the country for a while, and you may do as you please.'

 'Well, then, I am thinking of the rest of your family,' I replied waspishly, since he insisted on being so obtuse. 

 'No need. They are used to me being abroad. Do you accept my c...

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