Messieurs, I am the oldest here; permit that I show you the way." His words were not without effect; they kindled chivalry in hearts that, after all, were nothing if not prone to chivalry--according to their own lights--and presently something very near enthusiasm prevailed.

But the supercilious and very noble Ombreval still grumbled.
"To ask me to fight this scum!" he ejaculated in horror "Pardi! It is too much.

Ask me to beat them off with a whip like a pack of curs, and I'll do it readily.

But fight them--!" "Nothing could delight us more, Vicomte, than to see you beat them off with a whip," Des Cadoux assured him.

"Arm yourself with a whip, by all means, my friend, and let us witness the prodigies you can perform with it." "See what valour inflames the Vicomte, Suzanne," sneered a handsome woman into Mademoiselle's ear.