Chapter 23
A MARQUIS DONS HIS BALDRIC They were men, the marquis and his contemporaries. They were born in rough times, they lived and died roughly. They were men who made France what it was in life and is to-day in history, resplendent. The marquis never went about his affairs impetuously; he calculated this and balanced that. When he arrived at a conclusion or formed a purpose, it was definite. He never swerved nor retreated. To-night he had formed a purpose, and he proceeded toward it directly, as was his custom. "Jehan, my campaign rapier," he said. "Campaign rapier, Monsieur!" repeated the astonished lackey. Monsieur le Marquis had not worn that weapon in almost ten years. "Take care, Jehan; you know that I am not particularly fond of repeating commands. Certainly my old basket-hilt took the
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