In their way he liked both; in their way he disliked both.

But he clearly saw that this peppery gentleman must be treated less cavalierly, or trouble would come of it.

So he waved him gracefully to the table, where a brace of flagons stood amid the steaming viands.
"You will dine with me, monsieur," said he, the utmost politeness marking his utterance now.

"I take it that since you have come here in quest of me you have something to tell me.

Shall we talk as we eat?
I detest a lonely meal." The florid gentleman's tone and manner were mollifying in the extreme.
Garnache had risen early and ridden far; the smell of the viands had quickened an appetite already very keen; moreover, since he and this gentleman were to be allies, it was as well they should not begin by quarrelling.
He bowed less stiffly, expressed his willingness and his thanks, laid hat and whip and cloak aside, unbuckled and set down his sword, and, that done, took at table the place which his host himself prepared him.
Garnache took more careful stock of the Marquis now.