went as he was--in a
chamois waistcoat buttoned to the chin and with his foil under his arm
to the modest salon below, where his godfather awaited him.

The florid little Lord of Gavrillac stood almost defiantly to receive
him.

"I have been over-persuaded to forgive you," he announced aggressively,
seeming thereby to imply that he consented to this merely so as to put
an end to tiresome importunities.

Andre-Louis was not misled. He detected a pretence adopted by the
Seigneur so as to enable him to retreat in good order.

"My blessings on the persuaders, whoever they may have been. You restore
me my happiness, monsieur my godfather."

He took the hand that was proffered and kissed it, yielding to the
impulse of the unfailing habit of his boyish days. It was an act
symbolical of his complete submission, reestablishing between himself
and his godfather the bond of protected and protector, with all the
mutual claims and duties that it carries. No mere words could more
completely have made his peace with this man who loved him.

M. de Kercadiou's face flushed a deeper pink, his lip trembled, and
there was a huskiness in the voice that murmured "My dear boy!" Then he
recollected himself, threw back his great head and frowned. His voice
resumed its habitual shrillness. "You realize, I hope, that you have
behaved damnably... damnably, and with the utmost ingratitude?"

"Does not that depend upon the point of view?" quoth Andre-Louis, but
his tone was studiously conciliatory.

"It depends upon a fact, and not upon any point of view. Since I have
been persuaded to overlook it, I trust that at least you have some
intention of reforming."

"I... I will abstain from politics," said Andre-Louis, that being the
utmost he could say with truth.

"That is something, at least." His godfather permitted himself to be
mollified, now that a concession--or a seeming concession--had been made
to his just resentment.

"A chair, monsieur."

"No, no. I have come to carry you off to pay a visit with me. You owe
it entirely to Mme. de Plougastel that I consent to receive you again. I
desire that you come with me to thank her."

"I have my engagements here..." began Andre-Louis, and then broke off.
"No matter! I will arrange it. A moment." And he was turning away to
reenter the academy.

"What are your engagements? You are not by chance a fencing-instructor?"
M. de Kercadiou had observed the leather waistcoat and the foil tucked