"How dare you, then, lay hands on the horses for the royal princess?"
"Because there are fifty here and the Royals are entitled to but eight. Am I to go afoot when lackeys have four nags to draw them?"
"If it is the order of his Majesty, they may have what they like. So be good enough to make your fellow take back those horses."
"Yes, if you are on duty to guard them, lieutenant," replied Jean; "but I did not know that the dauphiness' dragoons were set to guard grooms. Better shut your eyes, tell your squad to do the same, and I wish you a pleasant journey!"
"You are wrong, sir; I am on duty, as the dauphiness has sent me forward to look after the relays."
"That is different. But allow the remark that you are on paltry duty, and the young Bonnibel is shamefully treating the army——"
"Of whom are you speaking in such terms?" interrupted Philip.
"Oh, only of that Austrian beauty."
Taverney turned pale as his cravat, but in his usual calm voice he said, as he caught hold of the bridle:
"Do me the pleasure to acquaint me with your name?"