"Did you treat him a little—harshly? You are quite capable of it."
"No, I was not put to that trouble; the chevalier has always been too respectful for me to be angry with him."
"Then it must be that poor Passedix has had some new affair of honor; he has probably fought a duel and come out second best, as usual; and doubtless he is stretched out on his bed of pain at this moment."
"Perhaps he has been attacked by Giovanni, the fashionable robber!"
"Giovanni would not have wounded him; he contents himself with robbing and never does any harm."
"But if a man doesn't choose to be robbed, and defends himself——"
"Look at Léodgard, messieurs; he defended himself gallantly, and yet Giovanni robbed him and did not hurt a hair of his head."
At that moment, loud exclamations were heard at the shop door.
VII
A YOUNG WOMAN EN CROUPE
"Oh! what a fine head, my friends!" cried a cavalier who was standing in the doorway.