"Do you ask on
what grounds? When M. de Saintonge has told a hundred what he
would do to him! What he would do--do, I say? What he has
done!"
"Pooh!" I said. "It is some assignation, and the rogue is late
in returning."
"An assignation, yes," St. Germain retorted; "but one from which
he will not return."
"Well, if he does not, go to the Chevalier du Guet," I answered,
waving him off. "Go! do you hear? I am busy," I continued.
"Do you think that I am keeper of all the young sparks that bay
the moon under the citizens' windows? Be off, sir!"
He went reluctantly, muttering vengeance; and I, after rating
Maignan soundly for admitting him, returned to my work, supposing
that before night I should hear of St. Mesmin's safety. But the
matter took another turn, for while I was at dinner the Captain
of the Watch came to speak to me. St. Mesmin's cap had been
found in a bye-street near the river, in a place where there were
marks of a struggle; and his friends were furious. High words
had already passed between the two factions, St.
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