m; even fireworks were
provided; nothing was wanting to the fete, which lasted to a late hour
in the gardens of the chateau, where the populace danced and drank to
its heart's content.

Nearly all the invited guests came except those we desired to
compromise. The invitations having been sent at short notice, it was
amusing to read the notes and letters of excuse, which Sallenauve
ordered to be brought to him in the salon as they arrived. As he opened
each he took care to say: "This is from Monsieur the sub-prefect; this
from the _procureur-du-roi_; this from Monsieur Vinet the substitute,
expressing regret that they cannot accept the invitation." All these
concerted refusals were received with smiles and whispers by the
company; but when a letter arrived from Beauvisage, and Sallenauve read
aloud the "impossibility in which he found himself to _correspond_
to his politeness," the hilarity grew noisy and general, and was only
stopped by the entrance of Monsieur Martener, examining judge, who
performed an act of courage in coming to the dinner which his colleagues
declined. We must remark, however, than an examining-judge has two sides
to him. On that of the judge he is irremovable; he can only be deprived
of the slight increase of salary he receives as an examiner and of the
privilege of signing warrants and questioning thieves,--splendid rights
of which the chancellor can mulct him by a stroke of his pen. But
allowing that Monsieur Martener was only semi-brave, he was greeted on
this occasion as a full moon.

The Duc de Maufrigneuse, d'Arthez, and Monseigneur the bishop, who was
staying at Cinq-Cygne for a few days, were all present, and this made
more noticeable the absence of one man, namely, Grevin, whose excuse,
sent earlier in the day, was not read to the company. The non-appearance
of the Comte de Gondreville was explained by the recent death of his
grandson, Charles Keller; and in sending the invitation Sallenauve had
been careful to let him know he should understand a refusal. But that
Grevin, the count's right arm, should absent himself, seemed to show
that he and his patron were convinced of the probable election of
Beauvisage, and would have no intercourse with the new candidate.

The dinner being given in honor of Saint-Ursula's installation, which
could not be celebrated by a banquet in the convent, Sallenauve had a
fine opportunity for the following toast:--

"To the Mother of the poor; the noble and s