"In the private assembly, Messieurs," said the host caressingly; "in the private assembly. All is ready but the hot water." And respectfully, though determinedly, as one would guide a flock of sheep, he turned the roisterers toward the door that led into the private assembly-room. He had just learned that the Jesuits had arrived and that there was no room for them at the episcopal palace, and that they were on their way to the Corne d'Abondance. He did not desire them to form a poor opinion as to the moral character of the establishment. He knew the temper of these wild bloods; they were safer by themselves.
All the arrivals passed noisily into the private assembly: all save the leader, who was seen suddenly to steady himself after the manner of a drunken man trying to recover his dignity.
"Victor?" he cried in dismay.
"Paul?" frankly joyous.
In a moment they had embraced and were holding each other off at arm's length.
CHAPTER VI
AN ACHATES FOR AN AENEAS
"What are you doing here?" demanded the Chevalier roughly.
"Paul," sadly, "you are drunk."