f wretches enough--very pale, fairly livid indeed, haggard, dirty
and blood-stained; for although they had only contused wounds, the force
of the blows had set the blood flowing from their noses, and great red
stains disfigured their hideous countenances.

"Get to your kennel, ye hounds!" cried the duke, in a terrible voice,
being moved only to anger by the sight of this forlorn group of
supplicants. "I'm sure I don't know why I have not ordered you all
soundly thrashed for your imbecility and cowardice. I shall send you my
surgeon to examine your wounds, and see whether the thumps you make such
a babyish outcry about really were as violent and overpowering as
you represent. If they were not, I will have you skinned alive, every
mother's son of you, like the eels at Melun; and now, begone! out of my
sight, quick, you vile canaille!" The discomfited ruffians turned and
fled, thankful to make their escape, and forgetful for the moment of
their painful wounds and bruises; such abject terror did the young
duke's anger inspire in the breasts of those hardened villains. When the
poor devils had disappeared, Vallombreuse threw himself down on a heap
of cushions, piled up on a low, broad divan beside the fire, and fell
into a revery that Vidalinc was careful not to break in upon.
They evidently were not pleasant thoughts that occupied him; dark,
tempestuous ones rather, judging by the expression of his handsome face,
as he lay back idly among the soft pillows, looking very picturesque in
the rich showy costume he still wore. He did not remain there long. Only
a short time had elapsed when he suddenly started up, with a smothered
imprecation, and bidding his friend an abrupt good-night, retired to
his own chamber, without touching the dainty little supper that had
just been brought in. Vidalinc sat down and enjoyed it by himself, with
perfect good humour, thinking meanwhile of Serafina's remarkable beauty
and amiability, with which he was highly charmed, and not neglecting
to drink her health in the duke's choice wine ere he quitted the table,
and, following his example, retired to his own room, where he slept
soundly, dreaming of Serafina, until morning; while Vallombreuse, less
fortunate, and still haunted by disturbing thoughts, tossed restlessly,
and turned from side to side, courting sleep in vain, under the rich
silken hangings drawn round his luxurious bed.

When de Sigognac, the tyrant and Scapin reached the Armes de Fra