It was after madame had related that unsavoury anecdote touching
the Cardinal that he turned to ask me whether I was well acquainted
with the Court. I was near to committing the egregious blunder of
laughing in his face, but, recollecting myself betimes, I answered
vaguely that I had some knowledge of it, whereupon he all but caused
me to bound from my chair by asking me had I ever met the Magnificent
Bardelys.

"I - I am acquainted with him," I answered warily. "Why do you ask?"

"I was reminded of him by the fact that his servants have been here
for two days. You were expecting the Marquis himself, were you not,
Monsieur le Vicomte?"

Lavedan raised his head suddenly, after the manner of a man who has
received an affront.

"I was not, Chevalier," he answered, with emphasis. "His intendant,
an insolent knave of the name of Rodenard, informed me that this
Bardelys projected visiting me. He has not come, and I devoutly
hope that he may not come. Trouble enough had I to rid myself of
his servants, and but for Monsieur de Lesperon's well-conceived
suggestion they might still be here."

"You have never met him, monsieur?" inquired the Chevalier.

"Never," replied our host in such a way that any but a fool must
have understood that he desired nothing less than such a meeting.

"A delightful fellow," murmured Saint-Eustache - "a brilliant,