As yet no rumor stirred its ugly head; the Chevalier's reasons for going were still a matter of conjecture.

None had the courage to approach the somber young man and question him.

The recruits and broken gentlemen had troubles of sufficient strength to be unmindful of the interest in the Chevalier's.
The officers from Fort Louis bowed politely to the Chevalier, but came not near enough to speak.

Excessive delicacy, or embarrassment, or whatever it was, the Chevalier appreciated it.

As for the civilians who had enjoyed the hospitality of the Hotel de Perigny, they remained unobserved on the outskirts of the crowd.