Honoré Grandissime, stopping with the rent-notice only half unfolded, saw the advisability of calling up all the resources of his sagacity and wit in order to answer wisely; and as they answered his call a brighter nobility so overspread face and person that Aurora inwardly exclaimed at it even while she exulted in her thrust.
"Monday before last?"
She slightly bowed.
"A serious misfortune befell me that day," said M. Grandissime.
"Ah?" replied the lady, raising her brows with polite distress, "but you have entirely recovered, I suppose."
"It was I, madame, who that evening caused you a mortification for which I fear you will accept no apology."
"On the contrary," said Aurora, with an air of generous protestation, "it is I who should apologize; I fear I injured your horse."
M. Grandissime only smiled, and opening the rent-notice dropped his glance upon it while he said in a preoccupied tone:
"My horse is very well, I thank you."
But as he read the paper, his face assumed a serious air and he seemed to take an unnecessary length of time to reach the bottom of it.