you, sir,
and told me he should come again this morning, and invite himself to a
cup of tea."

"Poor Lucenay! And why did you not tell me this?"

"I could not see you last night, M. le Marquis."

After a moment's reflection, M. d'Harville resumed:

"You are right, this slight regret will, doubtless, satisfy jealous
Fate. But an idea has come across me; I should like to get up a
bachelors' breakfast this morning of all the friends of M. de Lucenay,
to celebrate the fortunate result of his duel; not anticipating such a
meeting, he will be delighted."

"A capital idea, M. le Marquis. _Vive la joie!_ Let us make up for lost
time. For how many shall I desire the _maitre d'hotel_ to lay covers?"

"For six, in the small winter dining-room."

"And the invitations?"

"I will write them. Let a groom get his horse ready, and take them
instantly. It is very early, and he will find everybody at home. Ring."

Joseph rang the bell.

M. d'Harville entered into his cabinet, and wrote the following letter,
with no other alteration than the name of each invited guest.

"MY DEAR ----: This is a circular, and is also an impromptu.
Lucenay is coming to breakfast with me this morning, expecting
only a _tete-a-tete_. Will you join me and several friends, whom
I also invite, in giving him an agreeable surprise?

"Twelve punctually.

"M. D'HARVILLE."

A servant entered.

"Desire some one to get on horseback, and deliver these notes directly,"
said M. d'Harville; and then, addressing Joseph, "Write the addresses:
M. le Vicomte de Saint-Remy,--Lucenay cannot get on without him," said
M. d'Harville to himself; "M. de Monville, one of the duke's travelling
companions; Lord Douglas, his beloved partner at whist; the Baron de
Sezannes, one of the friends of his childhood. Have you done?"

"Yes, M. le Marquis."

"Send them off, then, without losing a minute's time," said M.
d'Harville.

"Ah, Philippe, request M. Doublet to come and speak to me."

Philippe left the room.

"Well, what is the matter with you?" inquired M. d'Harville of Joseph,
who looked at him with astonishment.

"I cannot get over it, sir; I never saw you in such spirits,--so lively;
and then you, who are usually so pale, have got such a colour, and your
eyes sparkle."

"Happiness, my old friend,--happiness, and nothing else; and you must
assist me in my little plot. You must go and learn