"I could not see you last night, M. le Marquis."
After a moment's reflection, M. d'Harville resumed:
"You are right, this slight regret will, doubtless, satisfy jealous Fate. But an idea has come across me; I should like to get up a bachelors' breakfast this morning of all the friends of M. de Lucenay, to celebrate the fortunate result of his duel; not anticipating such a meeting, he will be delighted."
"A capital idea, M. le Marquis. Vive la joie! Let us make up for lost time. For how many shall I desire the maître d'hôtel to lay covers?"
"For six, in the small winter dining-room."
"And the invitations?"
"I will write them. Let a groom get his horse ready, and take them instantly. It is very early, and he will find everybody at home. Ring."
Joseph rang the bell.
M. d'Harville entered into his cabinet, and wrote the following letter, with no other alteration than the name of each invited guest.