In that vast assemblage, amid all the energy, youth and surfeit of
vitality, he seemed like a dried and crackling leaf, tossed
helplessly, which any foot might crush to dust. The roar of the
multitude subsided, a storm dying in the distance; the ladies sank in
their seats--butterflies settling once more in the fields--and Leduc,
with drooping head, was led to the paddock, followed by a few fair
adorers.

"I placed the winner, Monsieur Mauville," piped the marquis. "Though
the doctors told me the excitement would kill me! What folly! Every
new sensation adds a day to life."

"In your case, certainly, Marquis, for I never saw you looking
younger," answered the land baron, with an effort.

"You are too amiable, my dear friend! The ladies would not think so,"
he added, mournfully wagging his head with anile melancholy.

"Nonsense!" protested the other. "With your spirit, animation--"

"If I thought you were right," interrupted the delighted marquis,
taking his young friend's arm, "I would ask you to present me to the
lady over there--the one you just bowed to."

"The deuce!" said Mauville to himself. "The marquis is becoming a
bore."

"You rascal! I saw the smile she gave you," continued the other
playfully. "And you ran away from her. What are the young men made of
nowadays? In the old days they were tinder; women sparks. But who is
she?"

"You mean Susan Duran, the actress?"

"An actress!" exclaimed the nobleman. "A charming creature at any
rate!"

"All froth; a bubble!" added Mauville impatiently.

"How entertaining! Any lovers?" leered the nobleman.

"A dozen; a baker's dozen, for all I know!"

"What is her history?" said the marquis eagerly.

"I never inquired."

"Sometimes it's just as well," murmured the other vaguely. "How old is
she?"

"How can you tell?" answered Mauville.

"In Paris I kept a little book wherein was entered the _passe-parole_
of every pretty woman; age; lovers platonic! When a woman became a
grandmother, I put a black mark against her name, for I have always
held," continued the nobleman, wagging his head, "that a woman who is
a grandmother has no business to deceive a younger generation of men.
But present me to Miss Susan at once, my dear friend. I am all
impatience to meet her."

His eagerness permitted no refusal; besides, Mauville was not in the
mood to enjoy the nobleman's society, and was but too pleased to turn
him over to the tender care of Susan.

"How do you