The general panic having driven the whole company into a corner of the saloon, the coyest ladies sat upon the lap of their lovers; the most obstinate shrew clung round the neck of her patient husband, and the bitterest enemies and rivals held one another enfolded in their arms in the most amicable manner.
"At length, they perceived their mistake, joyfully exclaiming, with one voice, "It is the Count! it is the Count!"
"It is impossible to describe the astonishment and the rapture with which I was received; not so much on my account, than because they saw themselves relieved from their apprehensions. I gave them a brief account of the affair; and when I had finished my report, the Chevalier joined us with the lady whom I had recommended to his care.
"Was the Chevalier also present?" one of the company exclaimed.
"Most certainly; he acted a principal part," I replied.
"This
