The Grey Cloak

"Monsieur," he asked, "are you related to the poet De Saumaise?"

The youth lifted his head, disclosing an embarrassed smile. "Yes,

Monsieur. I have the ill-luck to be that very person."

"Then I am doubly glad to meet you. While in Paris I heard your

praises sung not infrequently."

The poet held up a protesting hand. "You overwhelm me, Monsieur. If I

write an occasional ballade, it is for the mere pleasure of writing,

and not because I seek notoriety such as Voiture enjoyed when in favor."

"I like that ballade of yours on 'Henri at Cahors.' It has the true

martial ring to it that captivates the soldier."

"Thanks, Monsieur; from a man like you such praise is poisonously

sweet. Can you direct me to the Hotel de Périgny? I must see the

Chevalier to-night."

"I will myself show you the way," said Du Puys, standing. "But wait a

while. The Chevalier usually spends the evening here."

"Drinking?"

"Drinking and dicing."

Victor rose just as a small uproar occurred in the hallway. The door

opened and a dozen cavaliers and officers came crowding in. All made

for the fire, stamping and jostling and laughing. The leader, his eyes

bloodshot and the lower lids puffed and discolored, threw his hat to

the ceiling and caught it on his boot.

"Maître--ho!" he cried. "Bring us the bowl, the merry bowl, the jolly

and hot bowl. The devil himself must hunt for cheer to-night. How it

blows!"

"In the private assembly, Messieurs," said the host caressingly; "in

the private assembly. All is ready but the hot water." And

respectfully, though determinedly, as one would guide a flock of sheep,

he turned the roisterers toward the door that led into the private

assembly-room. He had just learned that the Jesuits had arrived and

that there was no room for them at the episcopal palace, and that they

were on their way to the Corne d'Abondance. He did not desire them to

form a poor opinion as to the moral character of the establishment. He

knew the temper of these wild bloods; they were safer by themselves.

All the arrivals passed noisily into the private assembly: all save the

leader, who was seen suddenly to steady himself after the manner of a

drunken man trying to recover his dignity.

"Victor?" he cried in dismay.

"Paul?" frankly joyous.

In a moment they had embraced and were holding each other off at arm's

length.