"Well, I will try to cast out that devil by the power of a still
stronger one. Ring for my horse, De Pean!"
The Secretary obeyed and ordered the horse. "Mind, De Pean!"
continued the Intendant. "The Board of the Grand Company meet at
three for business! actual business! not a drop of wine upon the
table, and all sober! not even Cadet shall come in if he shows one
streak of the grape on his broad face. There is a storm of peace
coming over us, and it is necessary to shorten sail, take soundings,
and see where we are, or we may strike on a rock."
The Intendant left the palace attended by a couple of equerries. He
rode through the palace gate and into the city. Habitans and
citizens bowed to him out of habitual respect for their superiors.
Bigot returned their salutations with official brevity, but his dark
face broke into sunshine as he passed ladies and citizens whom he
knew as partners of the Grand Company or partizans of his own
faction.
As he rode rapidly through the streets many an ill wish followed
him, until he dismounted before the mansion of the Des Meloises.
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