The horse was still obstinate; the rider, weary of gentle measures, used in turn the whip and spur, but with no results save kicks and fearful plunges. Gradually, M. de Richelieu and his companion approached the Marquis. Seeing two gentlemen of venerable appearance coming towards him, Létorière respectfully saluted them. "Well! young man . . . which has the right in this discussion, the man or the horse?" said the friend of M. de Richelieu. "Faith! I hardly know, sir! the rider reasons with blows of his whip, and the beast replies by kicks. Such a conversation can be carried on for some time." This answer, spoken without too much assurance, but with all the confident gayety of youth, made the questioner smile. "You speak of it very nonchalantly, my young master . . . I should like very well to see you in the place of that horseman . . . you probably do not know that this is a mare of Ukraine. She came from Germany, and is a veritable demon . . . one that La Guérinière himself has not been able to master." "If I were in that horseman's place, sir, I might perhaps be not more able, but more lucky," resolutely replied the Marquis. "Truly! Well, will you try? Will you mount Barbara?" "The mare is so beautiful . . . so proud . . . notwithstanding her viciousness . . . that I accept with all my heart, sir; and besides, the grass is so green that one need not desire a better carpet to fall upon," answered Létorière joyously. "I have a horrible fear that he will break his neck," said the companion of M. de Richelieu in a whisper. "With such a pretty face, so frolicsome and so captivating, one need fear neither horses, nor men, nor women, and if he should fall . . . one never falls alone . . . I have faith in him . . . he has a very enticing air." . . . "Hullo! St. Clair," said the other, addressing the groom, "don't stubbornly persevere any longer; get down from the horse. . . . This young gentleman desires a lesson, and you can give it to him," he added, laughing. St. Clair obeyed the order, and got off the horse. Létorière, a little displeased at the last words of the unknown, replied to him with respectful firmness: "I will always receive with pleasure or with resignation any lesson which I ask for, or which I deserve, sir; but here I do not find myself in either one of these cases." The unknown and M. de Richelieu looked at each other, suppressing a great desire to laugh. "You must take care," said the Marshal softly, "he looks like a famous fighter!" "You'll see that he will challenge me--and before you, the senior of the Marshals of France, the President of the tribunal of honor"--said the other;--and he added, regarding the Marquis with a very serious air: "You take it with a high hand, my young master!" "God bless me! I take it as I must, sir," cried Létorière, resolutely setting his hand on his hip.