But St. Auban was famous for the regal supper parties he gave,
to which all were eager to be bidden, and amidst that crowd, as I have
said, there were a score or so of gentlemen of the Court, who--with scant
regard for the right or wrong of the case and every regard to conciliate
this giver of suppers--came to range themselves beside and around us, and
thus protected me from the murderous designs of that rabble.
Seeing how the gentlemen took my part, and deeming--in their blessed
ignorance--that what gentlemen did must be perforce well done, they grew
calm in the twinkling of an eye. Thereupon St. Auban, turning to me,
counselled me in a whisper to be gone, whilst the tide of opinion flowed in
my favour. Intent to act upon this good advice, I took a step towards the
little knot that had collected round Canaples, and with natural curiosity
inquired into the nature of his hurt.
'T was Montm?dy who answered me, scowling as he did so:
"He may die of it, Monsieur. If he does not, his recovery will be at least
slow and difficult."
I had been wise had I held my peace and gone; but, like a fool, I must
needs give utterance to what was in my mind.
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