"It has grown heavy since the last time I put it on," observed the marquis, thoughtfully, weighing the blade on his palms. "Those were merry days," reminiscently.
"Monsieur goes abroad to-night?" essayed the lackey, experiencing an old-time thrill.
"Yes, but alone. Now, a cup of wine undiluted. Monsieur de Leviston is still in the hospital?"
"Yes, Monsieur."
"Through the kindly offices of Monsieur de Saumaise."
"Who is a gallant fellow."
To this Monsieur le Marquis readily agreed. "But Monsieur d'Hérouville is no longer confined. I saw him abroad this afternoon."
"They say that he is a furious swordsman, Monsieur," ventured Jehan, trembling.
The marquis threw a keen glance at his servant. "What did they say of me, even ten years ago?"
"You had no peer in all France, Monsieur … ten years ago."