But I was not to be checked; hints and sour looks were lost upon me.

I grew more outspoken with every glass, I drank to the Rochellois, I swore it would not be long before they raised their heads again; and, at last, while the innkeeper and his wife were engaged lighting the lamp, I passed round the bottle and called on all for a toast.
'I'll give you one to begin,' I bragged noisily.

'A gentleman's toast! A southern toast! Here is confusion to the Cardinal, and a health to all who hate him!' 'MON DIEU!' one of the strangers cried, springing from his seat in a rage.

'I am not going to stomach that! Is your house a common treason-hole,' he continued, turning furiously on the landlord, 'that you suffer this ?' 'Hoity-toity!' I answered, coolly keeping my seat.

'What is all this?
Don't you relish my toast, little man ?' 'No--nor you!' he retorted hotly; 'whoever you may be!' 'Then I will give you another,' I answered, with a hiccough.