the company separated into little groups and the whisperings ceased.
Like schoolboys who have plotted mischief in the master's absence, they
hurriedly became silent and orderly. Montauran entered. Marie had
the happiness of admiring him among his fellows, of whom he was the
youngest, the handsomest, and the chief. Like a king in his court,
he went from group to group, distributing looks and nods and words of
encouragement or warning, with pressure of the hands and smiles; doing
his duty as leader of a party with a grace and self-possession hardly
to be expected in the young man whom Marie had so lately accused of
heedlessness.

The presence of the marquis put an end to the open curiosity bestowed
on Mademoiselle de Verneuil, but Madame du Gua's scandalous suggestions
bore fruit. The Baron du Guenic, familiarly called "l'Intime," who by
rank and name had the best right among those present to treat Montauran
familiarly, took the young leader by the arm and led him apart.

"My dear marquis," he said; "we are much disturbed at seeing you on the
point of committing an amazing folly."

"What do you mean by that?"

"Do you know where that girl comes from, who she is, and what her
schemes about you are?"

"Don't trouble yourself, my dear Intime; between you and me my fancy for
her will be over to-morrow."

"Yes; but suppose that creature betrays you to-night?"

"I'll answer that when you tell me why she has not done it already,"
said Montauran, assuming with a laugh an air of conceit. "My dear
fellow, look at that charming girl, watch her manners, and dare to tell
me she is not a woman of distinction. If she gave you a few favorable
looks wouldn't you feel at the bottom of your soul a respect for her? A
certain lady has prejudiced you. I will tell you this: if she were the
lost creature our friends are trying to make her out, I would, after
what she and I have said to each other, kill her myself."

"Do you suppose," said Madame du Gua, joining them, "that Fouche is
fool enough to send you a common prostitute out of the streets? He has
provided seductions according to your deserts. You may choose to be
blind, but your friends are keeping their eyes open to protect you."

"Madame," replied the Gars, his eyes flashing with anger, "be warned;
take no steps against that lady, nor against her escort; if you do,
nothing shall save you from my vengeance. I choose that Mademoiselle
de Verneuil is to be treated with the utmos