"Myself, my dear baron," returned Richon, affably, but with his customary serious expression. "Ah! so much the better! so much the better!" said Canolles, cordially pressing his hand. "Messieurs," he added, "you do not know him, but I do; and I say, emphatically, that it would be impossible to intrust an important appointment to a more honorable man." Richon looked proudly about upon the guests, and as he detected no other expression in the looks which were bent upon him than polite surprise tempered with much good-will, he said:-- "My dear baron, now that you have answered for me so handsomely, present me, I beg you, to those of your guests whom I haven't the honor of knowing." As he spoke he glanced significantly at three or four gentlemen to whom he was an entire stranger. Thereupon ensued an interchange of civilities in the courtly manner characteristic of the time. Before half an hour had passed Richon was on the friendliest terms with all the young officers, and might have asked any one of them for his sword or his purse. His sponsors were his well-known gallantry, his spotless reputation, and the noble spirit written in his eyes. "_Pardieu!_ messieurs," said the governor of Braunes, "there's no denying that, although he's a churchman, Monsieur de Mazarin has a keen eye for fighting-men, and has been managing matters well in that direction for some time. He scents war, and selects for governors, Canolles here, and Richon at Vayres." "Is there to be fighting?" inquired Richon, carelessly. "Is there to be fighting!" rejoined a young man fresh from the court. "You ask if there is to be fighting, Monsieur Richon?" "Yes." "Well! I ask you what condition your bastions are in?" "They are almost new, monsieur; for in the three days I have been at the fort I have done more repairing and renovating than had been done in three years." "Good! it won't be long before they will be tested," rejoined the young man. "So much the better," said Richon. "What do fighting-men long for? War." "The king can sleep soundly now," said Canolles, "for he holds the Bordelais in check by means of the two rivers." "The person who put me where I am can count upon my devotion," said Richon. "How long do you say you have been at Vayres, monsieur?" "Three days. How long have you been at Saint-Georges, Canolles?" "A week. Did you have a reception like mine, Richon? Mine was magnificent, and even yet I haven't thanked these gentlemen sufficiently. There were bells ringing and drums beating, and acclamations. Cannon were the only thing missing, but I have been promised some within a few days, and that consoles me."