Belle Rose: A Romance of the Cloak and Sword — page 155: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

DICE AND CARDS. 143 one corner. Monsieur de Villebrais bit his lips till the blood came. ‘It is an insult which you will answer to me for,’’ said he, in a hollow voice. The musketeer rose and looked at Monsieur de Ville- brais as the old captain had done. ‘‘Decidedly,’’ said he, turning to his comrades, ‘‘this table is placed in a dirty place; one comes in contact here with disgusting things. Let us go away.’”’ A red cloud passed before Monsieur de Villebrais’ eyes. In his blind fury, he wished to seize one of the officers by thearm. This man—a cornet in the light-horse—repulsed him and very gravely went to work to dust the sleeve of his coat. The impulse was given. Every one felt bound to act like the captain of artillery, whose loyalty and honesty were proverbial. ‘‘fam one who wishes to fight you all, cowards!’’ cried Monsieur de Villebrais. A shiver traversed the circle of officers, but a captain of grenadiers intervened. ‘*‘[ believe it would be proper to have the gentleman caned,’’ said he, designating the pale victim; ‘‘the valets of the inn would serve us in this respect; what do you think of it?’’ ‘*Yes! yes!’’ replied several voices; ‘‘call the valets.’’ ‘*Stop!’’ said a lieutenant of cannoneers; ‘‘they are honest fellows who might be compromised by it. Lackeys against a bandit—it is unjust. Let us leave the place.’’ The circle of officers was broken and each one made for the door. Belle-Rose had been a mute witness of this hor- rible scene. As he passed before his ancient lieutenant, Monsieur de Villebrais recognized him. *‘Oh!’’ he exclaimed, with a transport of rage, ‘‘you, at least, will kill me.’’ And he drew his sword. Belle-Rose was already placing his hand upon the guard of his, when Monsieur de Naucrais seized him by the arm. **Monsieur Grinedal,’’ he said to him, in a quick tone of voice, ‘‘His majesty has not given you an officer’s sword for you to soil it.’’ Belle-Rose’s sword, half drawn, was returned to its scabbard, and all the officers walked slowly out. Monsieur de Villebrais, left alone, tottered; the sword escaped from his nerveless hands, an icy sweat bathed his forehead, and he felippon the carpet. An hour after this scene Sergeant 3