Master Pothier pricked up his ears till they fairly raised his wig,
at the prospect of a three days wedding at the Crown of France. He
began an elaborate reply, when a horse's tramp broke in upon them
and Colonel Philibert wheeled up to the door of the hostelry.
Master Pothier, seeing an officer in the King's uniform, rose on the
instant and saluted him with a profound bow, while Dame Bedard and
Zoe, standing side by side, dropped their lowest courtesy to the
handsome gentleman, as, with woman's glance, they saw in a moment he
was.
Philibert returned their salute courteously, as he halted his horse
in front of Dame Bedard. "Madame!" said he, "I thought I knew all
roads about Charlebourg, but I have either forgotten or they have
changed the road through the forest to Beaumanoir. It is surely
altered from what it was."
"Your Honor is right," answered Dame Bedard, "the Intendant has
opened a new road through the forest." Zoe took the opportunity,
while the officer looked at her mother, to examine his features,
dress, and equipments, from head to foot, and thought him the
handsomest officer she had ever seen.
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