,
now the patron of republicanism, Saint-Prosper once more regarded his
companion attentively.

"By reputation, certainly," he answered, slowly.

"He was my tutor and is now my frequent correspondent. Not a bad sort
of mentor, either!" The new arrival paused and smiled reflectively.
"Only recently I received a letter from him, with private details of
the flight of the king and vague intimations of a scandal in the army,
lately come to light."

His listener half-started from his seat and had the speaker not been
more absorbed in his own easy flow of conversation than in the
attitude of the other, he would have noticed that quick change of
manner. Not perceiving it, however, he resumed irrelevantly:

"You see I am a sociable animal. After being cramped in that
miserable coach for hours, it is a relief to loosen one's tongue as
well as one's legs. Even this smoky hovel suggests good-fellowship and
jollity beyond a dish of tea. Will you not join me in a bottle of
wine? I carry some choice brands to obviate the necessity of drinking
the home-brewed concoctions of the inn-keepers of this district."

"Thank you," said the soldier, at the same time rising from his chair.
"I have no inclination so early in the day."

"Early?" queried the newcomer. "A half-pint of Chateau Cheval Blanc or
Cru du Chevalier, high and vinous, paves a possible way for Brother
Jonathan's _dejeuner_--fried pork, potatoes and chicory!" And turning
to his servant who had meanwhile entered, he addressed a few words to
him, and, as the door closed on the soldier, exclaimed with a shrug of
the shoulders:

"An unsociable fellow! I wonder what he is doing here."

CHAPTER III

AN INCOMPREHENSIBLE VENTURE

Pancakes, grits, home-made sausage, and, before each guest, an egg
that had been proudly heralded by the clucking hen but a few hours
before--truly a bountiful breakfast, discrediting the latest guest's
anticipations! The manager, in high spirits, mercurial as the weather,
came down from his room, a bundle of posters under his arm,
boisterously greeting Saint-Prosper, whom he encountered in the hall:

"Read the bill! 'That incomparable comedy, The Honeymoon, by a
peerless company.' How does that sound?"

"Attractive, certainly," said the other.

"Do you think it strong enough? How would 'unparagoned' do?"

"It would be too provincial, my dear; too provincial!" interrupted the
querulous voice of the old lady.

"Very well, Madam!" the