Montcrabeau nearly fainted, and Pertinax grew paler than ever.

“I shall have,” De Loignac continued, “for smaller offenses lighter punishments, as imprisonment, for instance.  For this time, I spare the lives of M. de Montcrabeau and M. de Pincornay, because they probably acted in ignorance, and shall only enforce against them my third method of punishment—­a fine.  You have received one thousand livres apiece, gentlemen; you will each return one hundred.”

“One hundred!” cried Pincornay; “Cap de Bious!  I have not got them; I have spent them on my equipment.”

“Sell your chain, then.  But I have something else to add; I have remarked many signs of irritation between different members of your body, and each time a difference arises I wish the matter referred to me, and I alone shall have the power of allowing a duel to take place.  Dueling is much in fashion now, but I do not wish, that, to follow the fashion, my company be constantly left imperfect.  The first duel, therefore, that takes place without my permission will be punished with a rigorous imprisonment and a heavy fine.  Now fifteen of you will place yourselves this evening at the foot of the staircase when his majesty receives, fifteen will keep without, and fifteen remain at home.  Also, as you should have some chief, and I cannot be everywhere, I will each day name a chief for the fifteen, so that all shall learn to obey and command.  At present I do not know the capacities of any one, but I shall watch and learn.  Now, go, gentlemen; and M. de Montcrabeau and M. de Pincornay, you will remember that I expect your fines to be paid to-morrow.”

They all retired except Ernanton, who lingered behind.

“Do you wish anything?” asked De Loignac.

“Yes, monsieur,” said Ernanton, bowing; “it seems to me that you have forgotten to point out to us our duties.  To be in the king’s service has a glorious sound, doubtless, but I should wish to know in what this service consists?”

“That, monsieur, is a question to which I cannot reply.”

“May I ask why, monsieur?”

“Because I, myself, am often ignorant in the morning of what I shall have to do in the evening.”

“Monsieur, you are placed in such a high position that you must know much of which we are ignorant.”

“You love the king, I suppose?”

“I do; and I ought to do so, as a subject and a gentleman.”

“Well! that is the cardinal point by which to regulate your conduct.”

“Very well, monsieur; but there is one point which disquiets me.”

“What is it?”

“Passive obedience.”

“It is an essential condition.”

“So I understand; but it is sometimes difficult for persons who are delicate on points of honor.”

“That does not concern me, M. de Carmainges.”

“But, monsieur, when an order displeases you—­”

“I read the signature of M. d’Epernon, and that consoles me.”