I shall have a pair like them made with the skin of the very first hound I meet." Morgan did not take time to ask in what way Tiffauges' waistcoat was remarkable, or by what queer cut or precious material his trousers had won the approbation of a man as expert in such matters as he who had spoken to him.

He went straight to the point indicated by the young man, saw the person he was seeking dancing an ete, which seemed, by the intricacy of its weaving, if I may be pardoned for this technical term, to have issued from the salons of Vestris himself.
Morgan made a sign to the dancer.

Tiffauges stopped instantly, bowed to his partner, led her to her seat, excused himself on the plea of the urgency of the matter which called him away, and returned to take Morgan's arm.
"Did you see him," Tiffauges asked Morgan.
"I have just left him," replied the latter.
"Did you deliver the King's letter ?" "To himself." "Did he read it ?" "At once." "Has he sent an answer ?" "Two; one verbal, one written; the second dispenses with the first." "You have it ?" "Here it is." "Do you know the contents ?" "A refusal." "Positive ?" "Nothing could be more positive." "Does he know that from the moment he takes all hope away from us we shall treat him as an enemy ?" "I told him so." "What did he answer ?" "He didn't answer; he shrugged his shoulders." "What do you think his intentions are ?" "It's not difficult to guess." "Does he mean to keep the power himself ?" "It looks like it." "The power, but not the throne ?" "Why not the throne ?" "He would never dare to make himself king." "Oh! I can't say he means to be absolutely king, but I'll answer for it that he means to be something." "But he is nothing but a soldier of fortune!" "My dear fellow, better in these days to be the son of his deeds, than the grandson of a king." The young man thought a moment.
"I shall report it all to Cadoudal," he said.
"And add that the First Consul said these very words: 'I hold the Vendee in the hollow of my hand, and if I choose in three months not another shot will be fired.'" "It's a good thing to know." "You know it; let Cadoudal know it, and take measures." Just then the music ceased; the hum of the dancers died away; complete silence prevailed; and, in the midst of this silence, four names were pronounced in a sonorous and emphatic voice.
These four names were Morgan, Montbar, Adler and d'Assas.
"Pardon me," Morgan said to Tiffauges, "they are probably arranging some expedition in which I am to take part.

I am forced, therefore, to my great regret, to bid you farewell.

Only before I leave you let me look closer at your waistcoat and trousers, of which I have heard--curiosity of an amateur; I trust you will excuse it." "Surely!" exclaimed the young Vendean, "most willingly.".