Lebrenn was so absorbed in his own thoughts that he started at the entrance of the Count into the hall. Despite his self-control, the linendraper, the descendant of Joel, whose family had, across the ages, so often encountered that of Neroweg in deadly feud, could not help betraying a certain degree of emotion at finding himself face to face with a descendant of this ancient family. Moreover, it should be stated that Lebrenn had been informed by Jeanike of the colonel's frequent peering through the glass windows of his shop. Nevertheless, so far from seeming concerned or irritated, Lebrenn assumed an air of naive and embarrassed simplicity, which the Count of Plouernel attributed to the respectful deference that he would naturally inspire in a resident of St. Denis Street. The Count, accordingly, addressed the merchant in an accent of patronizing familiarity, pointing him to an easychair, while he let himself down in another. "Oh, monsieur," said Lebrenn, bowing clumsily, "indeed, you do me great honor--" "Come, come; no ceremonies, my dear sir," interjected the Count, and he added interrogatingly; "my dear monsieur--Lebrenn--I believe?" "Lebrenn," answered the merchant, with a bow. "Lebrenn, at your service." "Very good. I yesterday had the pleasure of seeing Madam Lebrenn, and of mentioning to her a large order I have for linen goods for my regiment." "Very happy, indeed, we are, monsieur, that you have honored our poor shop with your custom. I came to learn from you how many meters of linen you want, and of what quality. I have here some samples with me," he added, affecting to be busily engaged rummaging in his coat pockets after the samples. "Will it please you to choose--I shall give you the price, monsieur--the exact price--the lowest figure--" "That's not necessary, dear Monsieur Lebrenn. I can tell you in a few words what I want. I have four hundred and fifty dragoons. I want a supply of four hundred and fifty shirts for them, of good quality. I also wish you to attend to the sewing. Your price shall be mine. You see, dear Monsieur Lebrenn, that I know you to be the very cream of honesty." "Oh, monsieur!" "The flower of linendrapers." "Monsieur, monsieur, you embarrass me. I do not deserve--" "You do not deserve! Come, my dear Monsieur Lebrenn; on the contrary, you deserve that, and a good deal more." "Monsieur, I shall hot venture to contradict you. When will you want the shirts?" asked the merchant, rising. "If the matter is urgent, the labor will come somewhat higher." "Do me the favor, first of all, to resume your seat, my good man! Do not take your leave from me so abruptly. I may have some other orders for you." "Monsieur, in obedience to your orders I shall sit down again. When will you want the order filled?" "Toward the end of next month." "In that case, monsieur, the four hundred and fifty shirts, of good quality, will cost seven francs apiece."