Sigognac did not notice them, but chancing to glance in their
direction, was astonished to recognise in the first the tragic Herode,
and in the second the grotesque Blazius. Isabelle, seeing that her
husband had become aware of their presence, whispered to him, that
in order to provide for the old age of those two devoted and faithful
friends she had thought it well to give them superior positions in their
household; in which they would have only easy duties to perform, as they
had to direct others in their work, not to do any themselves; and the
baron heartily approved and commended what his sweet young wife, ever
considerate for others, had been pleased to do.

Course succeeded to course, and bottle to bottle--there was much
laughing and talking around the convivial board, and the host was
exerting himself to do honour to the festive occasion, when he felt a
head laid on his knee, and a tattoo vigorously played by a pair of paws
on his leg that was well known to him of old. Miraut and Beelzebub, who
had slipped into the room, and under the table, without being detected,
thus announced their presence to their indulgent master. He did not
repulse them, but managed, without attracting notice, to give them
a share of everything on his plate, and was especially amused at the
almost insatiable voracity of the old black cat--who had evidently been
fasting in his hiding-place in the attic. He actually seemed to enjoy,
like an epicure, the rich and dainty viands that had replaced the frugal
fare of long ago, and ate so much that when the meal was over he could
scarcely stand, and made his way with difficulty into his master's
bed-chamber, where he curled himself up in a luxurious arm-chair and
settled down comfortably for the night.

Vallombreuse kept pace with the Marquis de Bruyeres, and the other
guests, in disposing of the choice wines, that did credit to the
pedant's selection; but de Sigognac, who had not lost his temperate
habits, only touched his lips to the edge of his wine-glass, and made
a pretence of keeping them company. Isabelle, under pretext of fatigue,
had withdrawn when the dessert was placed upon the table. She really was
very tired, and sent at once for Chiquita, now promoted to the dignity
of first lady's maid, to come and perform her nightly duties. The wild,
untutored child had--under Isabelle's judicious, tender and careful
training--developed into a quiet, industrious and very beautiful young
girl. Sh