He sent back his horse, and his friend presented him to the ladies, whom the presence of the unexpected guest seemed to cheer a little.

Lescande stepped into his carriage and departed, after receiving from his wife an embrace more fervent than usual.
The dinner was gay.

In the atmosphere was that subtle suggestion of coming danger of which both Camors and Madame Lescande felt the exhilarating influence.

Their excitement, as yet innocent, employed itself in those lively sallies--those brilliant combats at the barriers--that ever precede the more serious conflict.

About nine o'clock the headache of Madame Mursois--perhaps owing to the cigar they had allowed Camors--became more violent.