She saw the point, and it amused her.

She read in the old man's eye the soldier's contempt for women, together with his new-born reverence and love for Valmond.
Lagroin was still dressed in the uniform of the Old Guard, and wore on his breast the sacred ribbon which Valmond had given him the day before.
"Well, General ?" said Valmond.
"Sire," said the old man, "they mock us in the streets.

Come to the window, sire." The "sire," fell on the ears of Madame Chalice like a mot in a play; but Valmond, living up to his part, was grave and solicitous.

He walked to the window, and the old man said: "Sire, do you not hear a drum ?" A faint rat-tat came up the road.

Valmond bowed.