Suppose it was a practical joke on the part of some of the members of the club?
In that case, they would doubtless be watching for his arrival, and, after talking to him on indifferent subjects, would, when he betrayed any symptoms of impatience, overwhelm him with ridicule.

The fear of this made him cautious.

What should he do with the horse he was riding?
The wine-shops were open, and perhaps he might pick up some man there who would take charge of it for him.

As he was debating this point, his eyes fell upon a soldier, probably on his way to barracks.
"My man," asked the Duke, "would you like to earn twenty francs ?" "I should think so, if it is nothing contrary to the rules and regulations of the army." "It is only to take my horse and walk him up and down while I pay a visit close by." "I can stay out of the barracks a couple of hours longer, but no more," returned the soldier.
Norbert told the soldier where he was to wait for him, and then went on rapidly to his own house, and reached the side street along which ran the garden belonging to his magnificent residence.

On the opposite side of the street the houses all had porticoes, and Norbert took up his position in one of these, and peered out carefully.