nd most of them looked like old
soldiers.

While Aube was worrying about these matters and many more, a carriage
drove up to the door of the restaurant, and three gentlemen got out.
These were Frederic de Talizac, Fernando de Vellebri, and Arthur de
Montferrand, the duelist, all strangely alike in their lack of moral
sense and in their cynicism, neither of them hesitating to do anything,
however evil, to gratify their passions. Room No. 11 was ready for
these gentlemen. The waiter took their cloaks and hats. Arthur threw
himself on a sofa, and announced that there was to be no heavy talk
until the dessert came on.

"Bravo!" said Fernando. "But perhaps you would kindly define what you
mean by heavy talk? As for you, Frederic, I think you had an interview
with your father to-day?"

"Champagne!" shouted Frederic, flinging his glass at the door, an
original manner of summoning a waiter, which he had invented.

"Yes," he replied, "and the Marquis is resolved that the marriage shall
take place in a fortnight--as if I had not other fish to fry!"

"But it seems to me," said Arthur, "that a union so desirable in every
respect, a fortune so large--"

"Do you mean to insinuate, sir, that a fortune is essential?" asked
Frederic, haughtily.

Here the Italian interfered, and smoothed down the Vicomte's asperities.

At this moment a fresh, young voice rose from the lower room, which was
crowded, and when the voice ceased there came loud applause.

"That is a charming voice!" said Arthur. "I would like to see this
nightingale a little nearer."

"And why not?" asked Talizac.

Fernando wished to oppose this idea, which might disarrange his
carefully prepared plans, but the champagne had by this time affected
the Vicomte.

"I say," he persisted, angrily, "I do not see any objection. I for one
should like to hear the girl sing up here before the adventure."

"The adventure?" repeated Montferrand.

"A little surprise we have arranged for her--that is all."

Arthur looked bewildered, and then exclaimed:

"Ah! I see. Bravo!--call the proprietor, and bid him send the singer to
us."

"Gentlemen! gentlemen!" said Fernando, "be careful what you do. No
imprudences! Remember that you are not in the Palais Royal. The people
down stairs won't stand any nonsense!"

Frederic rang the bell furiously, and the waiter was sent for the
proprietor. Aube presently appeared. He was very obsequious in his
manner, for the party had ordere