For that, perchance, men have some right to censure me.

But, Sangdieu! that a ruffler of the stamp of Eugene de Canaples should speak of it--should call me the nephew of an Italian adventurer, should draw down upon me the cynical smile of a crowd of courtly apes--pah! I am sick at the memory of it!" "Did you answer him ?" "Pardieu! I should be worthy of the title he bestowed upon me had I not done so.

Oh, I answered him--not in words.

I threw my hat in his face." "That was a passing eloquent reply!" "So eloquent that it left him speechless with amazement.

He thought to bully with impunity, and see me slink into hiding like a whipped dog, terrified by his blustering tongue and dangerous reputation.