DUEL BETWEEN BEAUTIES.

Cromwell Argus, Volume XXXX, Issue 2130, 8 February 1909, Page 7

DUEL BETWEEN BEAUTIES.

FEMININE AFFAIR OF HONOUR IN A PARISIAN SUBURB. The latest sensation in the French capital has been a duel between two well-known Parisian ladies, who were as scrupulous in adhering to the details of the “code of honour” as any two contestants of the sterner sex who ever crossed swords. Gossip led to this sanguine outcome —for it was carried on until one of the women was actually wounded. 1 11 consequence of a dispute growing out o» matters absolutely confidential, Mile. Be Namias sent her seconds, Mines. Do >S and D to Mine. Aiulree d’Ala/.a to ask an apology or satisfaction from her by recourse to arms.

Mme. D’Ala/.a refused to retract anything. A duel was thereupon decided upon after a conference among Lhe four seconds. The following conditions were the formally agreed upon for the duel:

“Mile. De Namais is recognised to lie the offended party. “The weapon chosen is the regulation duelling rapier. “Sleeveless chemisettes, light shoes, and gloves at will arc the restrictions as to clothing.

“A space of 3 5 metres (Hi yards) behind each contestant is allowed, and ground gained in any onslaught is allowed to the advantage of the one gaining it.

“Each onslaught is to last two minutes, with two-minute intervals of rest.

“The duel shall cease upon the order of the seconds, following their consultation with the physicians in at tendance.”

These rules were rigidly enforced by the seconds and by the appointed director of the allair. The duel took place, as arranged, in the Rare de Cabassud, at Ville d'Avray, a suburb of Paris, and it is described as having been a spirited encounter. The contestants arrived in the park with their seconds shortly after dawn.

They stripped off their coats and waists on either side of a grassy enclosure, while the physicians took the rapiers from their cases and dipped them in an antiseptic solution. Then, sword in hand, the two women faced each other. Both were apparently calm, but the bitterness between them wa.s easy to be seen. They glanced coldly at each other, but struck each other's guard sharply as the word to begin was given.

For the first two minutes neither gave ground. The two women went at each oilier savagely, and had to bo separated at the expiration of the period for the first engagement. During the second period of two minutes it was pretty much the same, neither wounding the other and neither giving ground.

The third bout with the swords proved decisive. Mile. Do Namias “rushed” her antagonist, and the latter cried out that she was “touched.” Tier seconds ran up to her, and she fell into their arms. Mine. IVAlaza had been wounded in the right shoulder. Physicians examined the wound, and pronounced it not dangerous, but Aline. D’Alaza was too weak to go on with the duel.

Nevertheless Mine. D’Alaza refused to make any apology to Mile. Be Namias, and the latter left the field, compelled to accept as sufficient satisfaction her having wounded her adversary. The result of the duel was stated in a paper drawn up and signed by the seconds and by tlie physicians.

The duel was actually cinema! ogruphed by agreement between the principals, in order that the victor might have thereafter the gratification of gloating over the sickening scene.