"Monseigneur, I swear to you!"
"Peace!"
"There were witnesses to the duel."
"Silence, I tell you! To come to this house to seek Marcel, you must have known that he lived here. Who taught you the way to this dwelling? Did you know that it belonged to me? and if you knew it belonged to me, who gave you the audacity to present yourself here."
Chaudoreille, who perceived that the marquis was no longer joking, answered with less assurance,—
"Monseigneur, I've already had the honor of visiting here in your lordship's service."
"To serve me, rascal?"
"Yes, monseigneur; I served you indirectly in a certain matter with a young Italian, an elopement on the Pont de Latournelle. It was I whom Touquet charged to keep watch."
"O marquis," said the three guests, smiling, "this is clear enough. The chevalier of the Round Table has ministered to your love."
"I've had that honor, monseigneurs," answered Chaudoreille, bowing, and twisting his mustaches.