and de Lotbiniere knew that he must go.

He next proceeded to Troyes to see Collinot. That officer examined
particularly the Genealogist's certificate, went to the records,
compared it with the former attestation, arrived at a conclusion. He
treated the matter as of its full importance, and the only respect in
which he disappointed de Lotbiniere was that he did not share the
latter's violent feelings.

"The young man has been an efficient officer," he said regretfully, "and
his conduct that of a gentleman. He is very unfortunate at an age when a
man feels such misfortune keenly. It is regrettable for all of us. But,
no doubt, we must do our duty."

"And preserve our young officers from consorting with the scum of the
people, Monsieur Adjutant."

"He is scarcely scum, sir. One must allow that in point of form he is
_parfaitement bien_. It is likely that the fortune of his father has led
him quite naturally to believe himself fit for the regiment."

"He ought, instead, to have been standing aproned in a pork-market. He
deserves the galleys."

"You are interested, Monsieur, and look at the affair with personal
annoyance. As for me, I am guided solely by the royal ordinance
requiring proofs of sixteen quarterings for entry into the Bodyguard. If
Monsieur Lecour--who is now de Lincy--not Repentigny--cannot show them
satisfactorily, he does not fulfil the ordinance, that is all. He is
to-day at a shooting party."

"This Lincy name is a worse imposture than the other. I tell you,
Monsieur Adjutant, it is _impossible_ for such folk to have nobility."

"Pardon me, sir," said Collinot, taking out his watch. "May I invite you
to review the force?"

"I must deny myself this great honour, inasmuch as I am not ready with
your new infantry drill," returned de Lotbiniere, intensely flattered
at an invitation to review Bodyguards.

Besides, he had at last, he said to himself, effected his point. So he
ordered his carriage and departed for Paris to pursue the rest of his
plans.

CHAPTER XXX

THE HEAVENS FALL

When Germain returned from the shooting party, he was sent for from
Collinot's office, and upon his entering, the door was closed.

As the closing of Collinot's door was an unusual proceeding, and was
known among the regiment to denote something very particular,
speculation and excitement immediately became rife, and the news that
Lecour was closeted with Collinot spread like wildfire.

Germain, rosy and