There can be seen luxurious carriages, for occasions of ceremony, and the park phaeton, and the simple brougham which the Countess uses when she goes out shopping; and that carefully groomed thoroughbred is Mirette, the favorite riding horse of Mademoiselle Sabine.

Mascarin and his confederate descended from their cab a little distance at the corner of the Avenue Matignon.

Mascarin, in his dark suit, with his spotless white cravat and glittering spectacles, looked like some highly respectable functionary of State.

Hortebise wore his usual smile, though his cheek was pale.
"Now," remarked Mascarin, "let me see,--on what footing do you stand with the Mussidans?
Do they look upon you as a friend ?" "No, no; a poor doctor, whose ancestors were not among the Crusades, could not be the intimate friend of such haughty nobles as the Mussidans." "But the Countess knows you, and will not refuse to receive you, nor have you turned out as soon as you begin to speak; for, taking shelter behind some rogue without a name, you can shelter your own reputation.

I will see the Count." "Take care of him," said Hortebise thoughtfully.