In spite, however, of this attractive exterior, the hotel did not prosper--it was never more than half full, though it was large and comfortable.

Unfortunately, from its proximity to the Pre-aux-Clercs, it was frequented by so many persons either going or ready to fight, that those more peaceably disposed avoided it.

Indeed, the cupids with which the interior was decorated had been ornamented with mustaches in charcoal by the habitues; and Dame Fournichon, the landlady, always affirmed that the sign had brought them ill-luck, and that had her wishes been attended to, and the painting represented more pleasing things, such as the rose-tree of love surrounded by flaming hearts, all tender couples would have flocked to them.
M.Fournichon, however, stuck to his sign, and replied that he preferred fighting men, and that one of them drank as much as six lovers.
About a month before the execution of Salcede, the host and hostess, all of whose rooms were then empty, were looking out of the window, sadly, and were watching the exercises of some soldiery on the Pre-aux-Clercs, when they saw an officer, followed by a single soldier, advancing toward their hotel.

He was about to pass, when the host called out loudly--"Oh! wife, what a beautiful horse!" Madame Fournichon replied in an equally audible voice, "And what a handsome cavalier!" The officer, who did not appear insensible to flattery, raised his head and looked first at the host and hostess and then at the hotel.
Fournichon ran rapidly downstairs and appeared at the door.
"Is the house empty ?" asked the officer.
"Yes, monsieur; just at present," replied the host, humiliated; "but it is not usually so." However, Dame Fournichon, like most women, was more clear-sighted than her husband, and called out, "If monsieur desires solitude, he will find it here." "Yes, my good woman, that is what I desire, at present," said the officer, who dismounted, threw the bridle to the soldier, and entered the hotel.
He was a man of about thirty-five years of age, but he did not look more than twenty-eight, so carefully was he dressed.

He was tall, with a fine countenance and a distinguished air.
"Ah! good!" said he, "a large room and not a single guest.