Bath
would have been detected in a piece of gross ignorance concerning the
French nobility--making much of de Mirepoix's ex-barber.

"'Tis a lucky thing that fellow was got out of the way," he ejaculated,
under cover.

"Thank me for it," rejoined Winterset.

An attendant begged Mr. Nash's notice. The head bailiff sent word that
Beaucaire had long since entered the building by a side door. It was
supposed Mr. Nash had known of it, and the Frenchman was not arrested,
as Mr. Molyneux was in his company, and said he would be answerable for
him. Consternation was so plain on the Beau's trained face that the Duke
leaned toward him anxiously.

"The villain's in, and Molyneux hath gone mad!"

Mr. Bantison, who had been fiercely elbowing his way toward them, joined
heads with them. "You may well say he is in," he exclaimed "and if you
want to know where, why, in yonder card-room. I saw him through the
half-open door."

"What's to be done?" asked the Beau.

"Send the bailiffs--"

"Fie, fie! A file of bailiffs? The scandal!"

"Then listen to me," said the Duke. "I'll select half-a-dozen gentlemen,
explain the matter, and we'll put him in the center of us and take him
out to the bailiffs. 'Twill appear nothing. Do you remain here and
keep the attention of Beaujolais and de Mirepoix. Come, Bantison, fetch
Townbrake and Harry Rakell yonder; I'll bring the others."

Three minutes later, his Grace of Winterset flung wide the card-room
door, and, after his friends had entered, closed it.

"Ah!" remarked M. Beaucaire quietly. "Six more large men."

The Duke, seeing Lady Mary, started; but the angry signs of her
interview had not left her face, and reassured him. He offered his hand
to conduct her to the door. "May I have the honor?"

"If this is to be known, 'twill be better if I leave after; I should be
observed if I went now."

"As you will, madam," he answered, not displeased. "And now, you
impudent villain," he began, turning to M. Beaucaire, but to fall back
astounded. "'Od's blood, the dog hath murdered and robbed some royal
prince!" He forgot Lady Mary's presence in his excitement. "Lay hands on
him!" he shouted. "Tear those orders from him!"

Molyneux threw himself between. "One word!" he cried. "One word before
you offer an outrage you will repent all your lives!"

"Or let M. de Winterset come alone," laughed M. Beaucaire.

"Do you expect me to fight a cut-throat barber, and with bare hands?"

"I think one