In each street the tables were arranged on the right and left side of the houses; a space in the middle being left for the promenaders. The Rue des Réligieuses, which runs down from the foot of the hill, made a most perfect and picturesque view.
We got mixed up with a lot of other persons, when all of a sudden a crowd of horsemen—young gentlemen, apparently—appeared on the crest of the hill, and, putting their horses at full gallop, dashed into the Rue des Réligieuses. There was a general cry of “Each one for himself!” and we turned to fly; but as we had been in front before, we now naturally found ourselves in the rear.
Thinking but of Sophie, I wished to put her under one of the tables, to be out of the way of danger; but curious to relate, she did not seem to know the peril she was in, and would not stir till it was too late; and I had just time to clasp her in my arms, and throw myself in front of her.
I had scarcely accomplished this, than, on turning round, I discovered myself face to face with a horseman, whose steed was perfectly unmanageable, and turned round and round, threatening us with his hoofs as he did so.
I had but one hope, and that was to preserve Sophie. I caught hold of the horse’s bridle, the cavalier raised his whip, the horse gave a plunge, and, whether through accident or intention, the blow, instead of falling on the horse, struck me on the shoulder.
The shame of being struck, more than the pain of the blow, caused the blood to rise to my head. I seized the horseman by his waist, lifted him from the saddle, the horse bolting away at the moment, upsetting a woman and two or three children in its wild career, and fell with him on the pavement; but, being the more vigorous, I was the uppermost, and soon had him at my mercy, with my knee on his breast.
It was only when his hat fell from his head, that I recognised who my adversary was.
“M. de Malmy!” cried I.
And taking my knee from his breast, and releasing his arms, I stood a little on one side.
“Ah, wretch!” cried he regaining his whip. “Do you know what is the penalty for laying hands on a gentleman?”