But they were French.

They understood that he had tossed a glove among them, their quick minds saw that the challenge was intended not alone for them, but for the English as well, unless the rights of the Hodenosaunee were respected, and such a speech at such a time appealed to their gallant instincts.

After a moment or two of silence the applause burst forth in a storm.
"'Twas a fair warning," said de Courcelles in Robert's ear, "and 'twas meant for us both." It was on Robert's tongue to reply that the English were included for the sake of courtesy, as they were the friends of the Hodenosaunee and always kept faith with them, but second thought stopped the words on his lips.

Then the band began again, playing a warm song of the south from the Florentine opera, and the talk increased.

It seemed to Robert that everybody spoke at once, and his senses were again steeped in the music and the perfumed air, and the sound of so many voices.