y promised a lady to protect her from individual courtesy, if
she gave pleasure--a pleasure beyond price--to you and your guests, and
you would have broken your word without remorse. General Montcalm has
sent a company of men to set your Excellency right in one direction, and
I am come to set you right in the other.'

"The Intendant was white with rage. He muttered something between his
teeth, then said aloud, 'Presently we will talk more of this, monsieur.
You measure strength with Francois Bigot: we will see which proves the
stronger in the end.' 'In the end the unjust steward kneels for mercy
to his master,' was Monsieur Doltaire's quiet answer; and then he made
a courteous gesture towards the door, and I went to it with him slowly,
wondering what the end would be. Once at the other side of the screen,
he peered into Jamond's face for an instant, then he gave a low whistle.
'You have an apt pupil, Jamond, one who might be your rival one day,'
said he. Still there was a puzzled look on his face, which did not leave
it till he saw Jamond walking. 'Ah yes,' he added, 'I see now. You are
lame. This was a desperate yet successful expedient.'

"He did not speak to me, but led the way to where, at the great door,
was the Intendant's valet standing with my cloak. Taking it from him, he
put it round my shoulders. 'The sleigh by which I came is at the door,'
he said, 'and I will take you home.' I knew not what to do, for I feared
some desperate act on his part to possess me. I determined that I would
not leave Jamond, in any case, and I felt for a weapon which I had
hidden in my dress. We had not, however, gone a half dozen paces in the
entrance hall when there were quick steps behind, and four soldiers came
towards us, with an officer at their head--an officer whom I had seen in
the chamber, but did not recognize.

"'Monsieur Doltaire,' the officer said; and monsieur stopped. Then he
cried in surprise, 'Legrand, you here!' To this the officer replied by
handing monsieur a paper. Monsieur's hand dropped to his sword, but in a
moment he gave a short, sharp laugh, and opened up the packet. 'H'm,'
he said, 'the Bastile! The Grande Marquise is fretful--eh, Legrand?
You will permit me some moments with these ladies?' he added. 'A moment
only,' answered the officer. 'In another room?' monsieur again asked. 'A
moment where you are, monsieur,' was the reply. Making a polite gesture
for me to step aside, Monsieur Doltaire said, in a v