Suddenly Monsieur de Gervier, who had gone to the window for a breath of air, burst into a roar of Homeric laughter, and shouted:
"There they are; yes, those are they; I recognize them."
"Who, pray?"
"The dealers in Mont-Dore water. Come, look at them! they're going along the street, and their cask with them."
Monsieur de Maugrillé looked out, and exclaimed in dire wrath:
"Water-carriers! they were water-carriers!"
The count, having also looked out, declared that he did not recognize them; at last, Monsieur de Gervier observed:
"Oh, well! to be sure, it isn't Mont-Dore water that they sell; but, after all, it's a kind of water that's even more indispensable. For my part, this makes the affair all the more amusing, and that duel will be one of my most delightful recollections."
Monsieur de Maugrillé made a wry face and held his peace, and the count returned to the table.
"Come, messieurs," he said, "this need not prevent our drinking to my approaching happiness; it's extraordinary how thirsty I am to-night!"