nd did not enter the common room,
and Montbar breakfasted without interruption. When dessert was over,
however, the host himself brought in his coffee. Montbar understood that
the good man was in talkative humor; a fortunate circumstance, for there
were certain things he was anxious to hear about.

"Well," said Montbar, "what became of our man? Did he only change
horses?"

"No, no, no," said the landlord; "as you said, he's an aristocrat. He
ordered breakfast in his own room."

"His room or my room?" asked Montbar; "for I'm certain you put him in
that famous No. 1."

"Confound it! Monsieur de Jayat, it's your own fault. You told me I
could do as I liked."

"And you took me at my word; that was right. I shall be satisfied with
No. 2."

"You'll be very uncomfortable. It's only separated from No. 1 by a
partition, and you can hear everything that happens from one room to the
other."

"Nonsense, my dear man, do you think I've come here to do improper
things, or sing seditious songs, that you are afraid the stranger should
hear or see what I do?"

"Oh! that's not it."

"What is it then?"

"I'm not afraid you'll disturb others. I'm afraid they'll disturb you."

"So your new guest is a roisterer?"

"No; he looks to me like an officer."

"What makes you think so?"

"His manner, in the first place. Then he inquired what regiment was in
garrison at Macon; and when I told him it was the 7th mounted Chasseurs,
he said: 'Good! the colonel is a friend of mine. Can a waiter take him
my card and ask him to breakfast with me?'"

"Ah, ha!"

"So you see how it is. When officers get together they make so much
racket and noise. Perhaps they'll not only breakfast, but dine and sup
together."

"I've told you already, my good man, that I am not sure of passing the
night here. I am expecting letters from Paris, _paste restante_, which
will decide me. In the meantime, light a fire in No. 2, and make as
little noise as possible, to avoid annoying my neighbors. And, at the
same time, send me up pen and ink, and some paper. I have letters to
write."

Montbar's orders were promptly executed, and he himself followed the
waiter to see that Roland was not disturbed by his proximity.

The chamber was just what the landlord had said. Not a movement could
be made, not a word uttered in the next room, that was not heard.
Consequently Montbar distinctly heard the waiter announce Colonel
Saint-Maurice, then the resounding steps of