ection of the inn of the "Brave Chevalier."

This litter stopped at the threshold of the mysterious house.

A veiled lady alighted from it, and disappeared within the door which
Ernanton held half open.

"Poor fellow!" murmured Chicot, "I was not mistaken; and it was indeed
a lady he was waiting for, and so now I shall go to bed."

Whereupon Chicot rose, but remained motionless, although standing up.

"I am mistaken," he said, "I shall not be able to go to sleep; but I
maintain what I was saying, that if I don't sleep it will not be remorse
which will prevent me, it will be curiosity; and that is so true what I
say in that respect, that if I remain here in my observatory, my mind
will only be occupied about one thing, and that is to learn which of our
noble ladies honors the handsome Ernanton with her affection.

"Far better, then, to remain where I am; since, if I went to bed, I
should certainly get up again to return here."

And thereupon Chicot resumed his seat.

An hour had nearly passed away without our being able to state whether
Chicot was engaged in thinking of the unknown lady or Borromee, or
whether he was occupied by curiosity or tormented by feelings of
remorse, when he fancied he heard the gallop of a horse at the end of
the street.

Such was indeed the case, for soon after a cavalier, wrapped in his
cloak, made his appearance.

The cavalier drew up in the middle of the street, and seemed to be
looking about him to see where he was.

The cavalier then perceived the group which was formed by the litter and
its bearers.

He drove his horse against them. He was armed, for the rattling of his
sword against his spurs could be distinctly heard.

The bearers of the litter seemed desirous of barring his passage, but he
addressed a few words to them in a low tone of voice, and not only did
they withdraw with every mark of respect, but one of them, as he sprang
to the ground from his horse, even received the bridle from his hand.
The unknown advanced toward the door and knocked loudly.

"Well," said Chicot, "I was right in remaining, after all; my
presentiments, which told me that something was going to take place,
have not deceived me. Here is the husband, poor Ernanton; we shall
presently be witness of something serious.

"If, however, it be the husband he is very kind to announce his return
in so riotous a manner."

Notwithstanding the magisterial manner in which the unknown thundered at
the do