Ten minutes later the Governor took his leave. At the front door he stopped surprised, for a guard of honour of twenty men were drawn up. He turned to the Seigneur.
"What soldiers are these?" he asked.
"The Seigneury company, your Excellency," replied Louis.
"What uniform is it they wear?" he asked in an even tone, but with a black look in his eye, which did not escape Madelinette.
"The livery of the Barony of Pontiac," answered the Seigneur.
The Governor looked at them a moment without speaking. "It is French uniform of the time of Louis Quinze," he said. "Picturesque, but informal," he added.
He went over, and taking a carbine from one of the men, examined it. "Your carbines are not so unconventional and antique," he said meaningly, and with a frosty smile. "The compromise of the centuries—hein?" he added to the Cure, who, with the Avocat, was now looking on with some trepidation. "I am wondering if it is quite legal. It is charming to have such a guard of honour, but I am wondering—wondering—eh, monsieur l'avocat, is it legal?"
The Avocat made no reply, but the Cure's face was greatly troubled. The
Seigneur's momentary placidity passed.
"I answer for their legality, your Excellency," he said, in a high, assertive voice.
"Of course, of course, you will answer for it," said the Governor, smiling enigmatically. He came forward and held out his hand to Madelinette.