Part 10 (2/2)

”After that, we went off with our friends and had supper and played nearly all night.

”At daybreak everybody went to the hunt. I and the other _debutants_ were driven to the rendezvous in the carriages of the King, drawn by white horses. There the grooms gave me a magnificent golden mare, who knew her work so well that she carried me in at the death of the stag next after his Majesty. (I tremble at what would have happened had I got there before him.) The Queen came up among the first. She enjoys the hunt.

”G. L.”

CHAPTER XII

GERMAIN GOES TO PARIS

It appears from the foregoing letter that Germain, before his presentation, had vacillated in his purpose, so far as his using the name Repentigny was concerned. All such vacillation vanished in the excitement of his taste of Court life. The fresh fact--of which Grancey informed him--that Cyrene had been carried off to Versailles by the Princess (which he interpreted to mean by the Abbe) only enriched with a pensive strain, and allowed him to lend an undivided attention to, the fascinating scenes which surrounded him, full of rich life and colour like the splendid pictorial tapestries adorning the halls of Fontainebleau.

On his return to Eaux Tranquilles, the Chevalier advanced at the gate, where he had doubtless been waiting some time, and, drawing a small newspaper out of his coat, said in grave fas.h.i.+on--

”Germain, there is something in the _Gazette de France_, which, I fear, means mischief.”

Lecour took the paper with a heart-throb and read--

”The Marquis de Gruchy, the Count de Longueville, the Chevaliers des Trois-Maisons and de Refsentigny, who had previously the honour of being presented to the King, had, on the 8th instant, that of entering the carriages of of his Majesty and following him to the chase.”

His face crimsoned. He looked at the Chevalier.

”I have mentioned,” said the latter, a troubled look appearing on his sensitive face, ”that the name of Repentigny was that of an officer whom I knew when our army was in Canada. He was a Canadian of the family of Le Gardeur, who still lives, bearing the t.i.tle of Marquis, and is, I believe, Governor of Pondicherry or Mahe in our Indian possesions.

Should the name reach him through the _Gazette_ as being worn by you, it might lead to the Bastille. That I would not willingly see befall you, dear boy.”

Germain was touched with the kindness in his friend's voice.

”What should I do?” he asked, faltering.

”Remain at Eaux Tranquilles, resume your own name, and enjoy life quietly, with all I possess yours.”

Tears rose in the young man's eyes. ”Your goodness, my second father, is incredible.”

”You remain, then?” asked de Bailleul eagerly. The conflict of the moonlight night was once more going on in Lecour's breast. The forces on both sides were strong.

”Give me an hour to think, sir. See, this paragraph does not contain any risk; the word is printed 'Refsentigny.'”

The Chevalier scanned it anew.

”True,” said he. ”But,” he continued, ”did you not know there is a shadow over this name? Have you heard the story of the 'Golden Dog'?”

”Of Quebec?”

”Yes.”

Germain's eyes opened with interest.

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