Such was the grouping in the quadrangle when my men, with Gilles at
their head, thundered across the drawbridge, giving pause to those
within, and drawing upon themselves the eyes of all, as they rode,
two by two, under the old-world arch of the keep into the courtyard.
And Gilles, who knew our errand, and who was as ready-witted a rogue
as ever rode with me, took in the situation at a glance. Knowing
how much I desired to make a goodly show, he whispered an order.
This resulted in the couples dividing at the gateway, one going to
the left and one to the right, so that as they came they spread
themselves in a crescent, and drawing rein, they faced forward,
confronting and half surrounding the Chevalier's company.
As each couple appeared, the curiosity - the uneasiness, probably
--of Saint-Eustache and his men, had increased, and their expectancy
was on tiptoe to see what lord it was went abroad with such regal
pomp, when I appeared in the gateway and advanced at the trot into
the middle of the quadrangle. There I drew rein and doffed my hat
to them as they stood, open-mouthed and gaping one and all. If it
was a theatrical display, a parade worthy of a tilt-ground, it was
yet a noble and imposing advent, and their gaping told me that it
was not without effect. The men looked uneasily at the Chevalier;
the Chevalier looked uneasily at his men; mademoiselle, very pale,
lowered her eyes and pressed her lips yet more tightly; the
Vicomtesse uttered an oath of astonishment; whilst Lavedan, too
dignified to manifest surprise, greeted me with a sober bow.
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