They drank with impunity, as if
garlanded with parsley, and while commending the Bishop, who would
drink naught save pure water, they rallied gaily Claude Beauharnais,
who would not drink at all.
In the midst of a cheerful concert of merriment, the door of the
cabinet opened, and the servant in waiting announced the entrance of
Colonel Philibert.
All rose to welcome him. Pierre looked anxious and somewhat
discomposed, but the warm grasp of the hands of so many true friends
made him glad for the moment.
"Why, Pierre!" exclaimed the Count, "I hope no ill wind has blown
you to the city so unexpectedly! You are heartily welcome, however,
and we will call every wind good that blows our friends back to us
again."
"It is a cursed wind that blows me back to-day," replied Philibert,
sitting down with an air of disquiet.
"Why, what is the matter, Pierre?" asked the Count. "My honored
Lady de Tilly and her lovely niece, are they well?"
"Well, your Excellency, but sorely troubled. The devil has tempted
Le Gardeur again, and he has fallen.
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