"Joy forever! Make up lost time. How many covers, so that I can give the orders?"
"Six, in the little winter breakfast parlor."
"And the invitations?"
"I will go and write them. A man from the stables can take them round on horseback. It is early; they will all be found at home. Ring."
D'Harville entered his cabinet, and wrote the following notes, without any other address than the name of the invited:—
"My Dear * * *—This is a circular; an impromptu affair is in agitation. Lucenay is to come and breakfast with me this morning; he counts only on a tete-a-tete; cause him a very agreeable surprise by joining me, and a few other of his friends, whom I have also advised.
"At noon precisely.
"A. D'HARVILLE."
"Let some one mount a horse immediately," said D'Harville, to a servant who answered the bell, "and deliver these letters." Then, turning to Joseph, he directed him to address them as follows: "M. le Vicomte de Saint Remy. Lucenay cannot do without him," said D'Harville to himself. "M. de Monville—one of his traveling companions. Lord Douglas—his faithful partner at whist. Baron de Sezannes—the friend of his youth. Have you written?"
"Yes, my lord."