"My dear ——: This is a circular, and is also an impromptu. Lucenay is coming to breakfast with me this morning, expecting only a tête-à-tête. Will you join me and several friends, whom I also invite, in giving him an agreeable surprise?
"Twelve punctually.
"M. d'Harville."
A servant entered.
"Desire some one to get on horseback, and deliver these notes directly," said M. d'Harville; and then, addressing Joseph, "Write the addresses: M. le Vicomte de Saint-Remy,—Lucenay cannot get on without him," said M. d'Harville to himself; "M. de Monville, one of the duke's travelling companions; Lord Douglas, his beloved partner at whist; the Baron de Sézannes, one of the friends of his childhood. Have you done?"
"Yes, M. le Marquis."
"Send them off, then, without losing a minute's time," said M. d'Harville.
"Ah, Philippe, request M. Doublet to come and speak to me."
Philippe left the room.
"Well, what is the matter with you?" inquired M. d'Harville of Joseph, who looked at him with astonishment.