Nocé was prepared with an explanation. "It is Mademoiselle de Clermont, who is looking for me."
Taranne pooh-poohed him. "Nonsense. It is Madame de Tessy, who is looking for me."
"It might be Mademoiselle Nivelle, looking for me," Oriol suggested, fatuously.
Choisy, Gironne, Albret, Montaubert—each in turn offered a possible name for the unknown.
Chavernay would have none of their suggestions. "No, no. That is not any one we know. She is neither court lady nor a play actress; she is some goddess in disguise, and I am going to reveal divinity."
Then he tripped daintily forward and intercepted Gabrielle and her companions as they accomplished their first tour of the pond. "Fair lady," said Chavernay, with a graceful bow, "are you looking for some one?"
The large arm of Cocardasse was interposed between Chavernay and Gabrielle, and the large voice of Cocardasse counselled Chavernay: "Stand aside, little man."
Quite indifferent to the counsels of the mighty mask, Chavernay persisted: "Fair lady, dismiss this monster and accept my arm."
This time it was Passepoil’s turn to intervene. "Out of the way!" he commanded, and gave Chavernay a little push.
Instantly Chavernay’s hot blood was in a flame, and he clapped his hand to his sword. "How dare you, fellow—" he began.