"Why, it was shameful behavior on the part of those gentlemen! To try to compel people who are passing to stop and act as their playthings! Did you hear the names of those who insulted you?" "I heard several, mademoiselle, but I remember only two: the gentleman who took up our defence and fought for us, after offering to be my knight--in jest, doubtless--his name was Passedix." "Passedix!--Do you know any gentleman of that name, aunt?" "No, no one! He must be some _chevalier d'industrie!_" "Then the man who was so fierce against us, and whose terrible sword beat down all obstacles--him they called the Sire de Jarnonville. Oh! that man had a terrifying look!" "The Sire de Jarnonville!" repeated Madame de Ravenelle. "That is a very old name--a noble family; but it is a long while since the descendant of the Jarnonvilles ceased to appear in society--that is to say, in the society frequented by self-respecting persons." "And you did not hear any one of those young nobles called Léodgard de Marvejols?" "No, mademoiselle, I am quite sure that I did not hear that name." "What are you worrying about now, niece?" "I am not worrying at all, aunt; but as it was a gathering of scapegraces, it seemed to me quite natural that Monsieur Léodgard should be there.--Miretta, I understand your gratitude for the brave girl who--I do not quite know how--rescued you from your dangerous position. You will do well to go to thank her, for ingratitude is the vice of base minds, and it always indicates the presence of other vices. Go to the reception room and ask for Béatrix; she will take you to the room that has been prepared for you; it is not far from mine, and you can hear my bell there.--But, by the way, this Cédrille, your cousin--what have you done with him?" "Mon Dieu! mademoiselle, he stayed below, in the courtyard, with his horse; I will go and bid him adieu, and he will go away." "But surely the boy does not mean to start for Béarn at once? He is probably curious to see a little of Paris, is he not?" "Yes, mademoiselle, but he will find an inn for himself and Bourriquet. Oh! Cédrille is not hard to please; he is capable of sleeping in a stable, with his horse." "I do not see why your cousin should go elsewhere in search of lodgings; we have enough unoccupied rooms upstairs, and stables sufficiently extensive to make it unnecessary for him and his horse to go to an inn.--This youth may remain here a few days, aunt, may he not? There is room in the servants' quarters; he may eat with our people, when it suits his pleasure to stay in the house." "I have no objection, niece; arrange everything as you choose." "Oh! madame and mademoiselle are too kind; and Cédrille will come himself to thank them." "It is not worth while!" said the old lady; "I excuse him from all thanks." "Go, Miretta," said Valentine, "go tell your cousin that we will accommodate him with my servants; then find Béatrix, who will install you."