midday
The Duke and his seconds were already there . Only the Doctor had not arrived . Morlay-La-Branche and Albert bowed to each other and got ready . The little bowers , where the _ habitues _ of the inn often ate their midday meals , served them as dressing-rooms . The Doctor arrived out of breath , with the information that he had not been able to get a _ confrere _ and would have to serve both sides . The umpire , in company with the seconds , chose an alley of proper dimensions . The adversaries were placed opposite , sword in hand .