"They are
easily counted, and pass quickly, asleep or awake. Two o'clock in
the morning is the meridian of the day for a man who has wit to
wait for it at Menut's!--these small hours are all that are worth
reckoning in a man's life!"
Without consenting to accompany De Pean, Le Gardeur suffered himself
to be led by him. He knew the company that awaited him there--the
wildest and most dissolute gallants of the city and garrison were
usually assembled there at this hour.
The famous old hostelry was kept by Master Menut, a burly Breton who
prided himself on keeping everything full and plenty about his
house--tables full, tankards full, guests full, and himself very
full. The house was to-night lit up with unusual brilliance, and
was full of company--Cadet, Varin, Mercier, and a crowd of the
friends and associates of the Grand Company. Gambling, drinking,
and conversing in the loudest strain on such topics as interested
their class, were the amusements of the night. The vilest thoughts,
uttered in the low argot of Paris, were much affected by them.
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