come to meddle in their affair!

However, it was needful to go down and marshal the men for the reception
of the new-comers, or to join in the fight, as the case might be.

And it was a peaceful entrance that took place some hours later, and was
watched from the windows of the prior's rooms by Eustacie, her child,
and Philip, whom she had been able to install in her own apartments,
which had been vacated by the refugee women in haste to return home, and
where he now sat in Maitre Gardon's great straw chair, wrapped in
his loose gown, and looking out at the northern gates, thrown open to
receive the King and Duke, old Falconnet presenting the keys to the
Duke, the Duke bowing low as he offered them to the King, and the King
waving them back to the Duke and the Captain. Then they saw Falconnet
presenting the tall auxiliary who had been so valuable to him, his
gesture as he pointed up to the window, and the King's upward look, as
he doffed his hat and bowed low, while Eustacie responded with the
most graceful of reverences, such as reminded Philip that his little
sister-in-law and tender nurse was in truth a great court lady.

Presently Berenger came up-stairs, bringing with him his faithful
foster-brother Osbert, who, though looking gaunt and lean, had nearly
recovered his strength, and had accompanied the army in hopes of finding
his master. The good fellow was full of delight at the welcome of his
lady, and at once bestirred himself in assisting her in rectifying the
confusion in which her guests had left her apartment.

Matters had not long been set straight when steps were heard on the
stone stair, and, the door opening wide, Captain Falconnet's gruff voice
was heard, 'This way, Monseigneur; this way, Sire.'

This was Madame la Baronne de Ribaumont's first reception. She was
standing at the dark walnut table, fresh starching and crimping
Berenger's solitary ruff, while under her merry superintendence those
constant playfellows, Philip and Rayonette, were washing, or pretending
to wash, radishes in a large wooden bowl, and Berenger was endeavouring
to write his letter of good tidings, to be sent by special messenger
to his grand-father. Philip was in something very like a Geneva gown;
Eustacie wore her prim white cap and frill, and coarse black serge
kirtle; and there was but one chair besides that one which Philip was
desired to retain, only two three-legged stools and a bench.

Nevertheless, Madame de Ribaumont