"Welcome, chevalier," said the captain. "Ladies, I beg you to serve monsieur with the grace which distinguishes you, and to sing him whatever songs he likes. Sit down, chevalier, and eat and drink as if you were at home, particularly as it is your horse we are eating and drinking. He is already more than half gone, poor animal, but the remains are good."
"Thank you, captain, I have just dined; and I have only one word to say to you, if you will permit it."
"No, pardieu! I do not permit it," said the captain, "unless it is about another engagement—that would come before everything. La Normande, give me my sword."
"No, captain; it is on business," interrupted D'Harmental.
"Oh! if it is on business, I am your humble servant; but I am a greater tyrant than the tyrants of Thebes or Corinth—Archias, Pelopidas, Leonidas, or any other that ends in 'as,' who put off business till to-morrow. I have enough money to last till to-morrow evening; then, after to-morrow, business."
"But at least after to-morrow, captain, I may count upon you?"
"For life or death, chevalier."
"I believe that the adjournment is prudent."
"Prudentissimo!" said the captain. "Athenais, light my pipe. La Normande, pour me out something to drink."
"The day after to-morrow, then, captain?"