His tastes and instincts were of the boudoir, the ante-chamber, and the table.

He wore a sword because it was so ordained by fashion, and because the hilt was convenient for the display of a jewel or two.

Certainly 't was not for utility that it hung beside him, and no man had ever seen it drawn.
Nature had made him the most pitiable coward begotten.

Why then should he involve himself in an affair which promised bloodshed, and which must be attended by many a risk for him?
There was in all this some mystery that I could not fathom.
From the course into which they had slipped, my thoughts were diverted, when I was within half a mile of the chateau, by the sight of a horseman stationed, motionless, among the trees that bordered the road.
It occurred to me that men take not such a position without purpose--usually an evil one.

I slackened speed somewhat and rode on, watching him sharply.