to begin a duel, to the handsomely chased
pistols which end it. His father having told him to travel alone and
modestly, he had taken the coupe of the diligence all to himself, rather
pleased at not having to damage a delightful travelling-carriage ordered
for a journey on which he was to meet his Annette, the great lady
who, etc.,--whom he intended to rejoin at Baden in the following June.
Charles expected to meet scores of people at his uncle's house, to hunt
in his uncle's forests,--to live, in short, the usual chateau life; he
did not know that his uncle was in Saumur, and had only inquired about
him incidentally when asking the way to Froidfond. Hearing that he was
in town, he supposed that he should find him in a suitable mansion.

In order that he might make a becoming first appearance before his
uncle either at Saumur or at Froidfond, he had put on his most elegant
travelling attire, simple yet exquisite,--"adorable," to use the word
which in those days summed up the special perfections of a man or a
thing. At Tours a hairdresser had re-curled his beautiful chestnut
locks; there he changed his linen and put on a black satin cravat,
which, combined with a round shirt-collar, framed his fair and smiling
countenance agreeably. A travelling great-coat, only half buttoned up,
nipped in his waist and disclosed a cashmere waistcoat crossed in
front, beneath which was another waistcoat of white material. His watch,
negligently slipped into a pocket, was fastened by a short gold chain to
a buttonhole. His gray trousers, buttoned up at the sides, were set
off at the seams with patterns of black silk embroidery. He gracefully
twirled a cane, whose chased gold knob did not mar the freshness of his
gray gloves. And to complete all, his cap was in excellent taste. None
but a Parisian, and a Parisian of the upper spheres, could thus array
himself without appearing ridiculous; none other could give the harmony
of self-conceit to all these fopperies, which were carried off, however,
with a dashing air,--the air of a young man who has fine pistols, a sure
aim, and Annette.

Now if you wish to understand the mutual amazement of the provincial
party and the young Parisian; if you would clearly see the brilliance
which the traveller's elegance cast among the gray shadows of the room
and upon the faces of this family group,--endeavor to picture to your
minds the Cruchots. All three took snuff, and had long ceased to repress
the habi