is doing them an honour of which they are not worthy. But we have
these ladies to think of, Messieurs, and - " he paused to apply the
rappee to his nostrils - "and we must exert ourselves to save them,
however disagreeable the course we may be compelled to pursue.
Messieurs, I am the oldest here; permit that I show you the way."

His words were not without effect; they kindled chivalry in hearts
that, after all, were nothing if not prone to chivalry - according
to their own lights - and presently something very near enthusiasm
prevailed. But the supercilious and very noble Ombreval still
grumbled.

"To ask me to fight this scum!" he ejaculated in horror "Pardi! It
is too much. Ask me to beat them off with a whip like a pack of
curs, and I'll do it readily. But fight them - !"

"Nothing could delight us more, Vicomte, than to see you beat them
off with a whip," Des Cadoux assured him. "Arm yourself with a whip,
by all means, my friend, and let us witness the prodigies you can
perform with it."

"See what valour inflames the Vicomte, Suzanne," sneered a handsome
woman into Mademoiselle's ear. With what alacrity he flies to arms
that he may defend you, even with his life."

"M. d'Ombreval is behaving according to his lights," answered Suzanne
coldly.

"Ma foi, then his lights are unspeakably dim," was the contemptuous
answer.