Simultaneously, however, we crossed to take their side, and so met them face to face in the middle of the way.
'M.

d'Agen,' the foremost exclaimed, speaking in a haughty tone, and with a dark side glance at me, 'I am sorry to see you in such company! Doubtless you are not aware that this gentleman is the subject of an order which has even now been issued to the Provost-Marshal.' 'And if so, sir?
What of that ?' my companion lisped in his silkiest tone.
'What of that ?' the other cried, frowning, and pushing slightly forward.
'Precisely,' M.d'Agen repeated, laying his hand on his hilt and declining to give back.

'I am not aware that his Majesty has appointed you Provost-Marshal, or that you have any warrant, M.Villequier, empowering you to stop gentlemen in the public streets.' M.Villequier reddened with anger.

'You are young, M.d'Agen,' he said, his voice quivering, 'or I would make you pay dearly for that!' 'My friend is not young,' M.d'Agen retorted, bowing.

'He is a gentleman of birth, M.Villequier; by repute, as I learned yesterday, one of the best swordsmen in France, and no Gascon.