provoking, I thought it well to involve another with me in his
defence. So, turning to the Chevalier, "I am sure," said I, "that
Monsieur de Saint-Eustache will confirm my words."

Thereupon, his vanity being all aroused, the Chevalier set himself
to paraphrase all that I had said with a heat that cast mine into
a miserable insignificance.

"At least," laughed the Vicomte at length, "he lacks not for
champions. For my own part, I am content to pray Heaven that he
come not to Lavedan, as he intended."

"Mais voyons, Gaston," the Vicomtesse protested, "why harbour
prejudice? Wait at least until you have seen him, that you may
judge him for yourself."

"Already have I judged him; I pray that I may never see him."

"They tell me he is a very handsome man," said she, appealing to me
for confirmation. Lavedan shot her a sudden glance of alarm, at
which I could have laughed. Hitherto his sole concern had been his
daughter, but it suddenly occurred to him that perhaps not even her
years might set the Vicomtesse in safety from imprudences with this
devourer of hearts, should he still chance to come that way.

"Madame," I answered, "he is accounted not ill-favored." And with
a deprecatory smile I added, "I am said somewhat to resemble him."

"Say you so?" she exclaimed, raising her eyebrows, and looking at
me more closely than hitherto. And then it seemed to me that into