Presently doors were flung open, and there was an
awful rushing downstairs, a gallopade. It was my lord the count, his
lady, and my young master, followed by a regular bevy of women and filles
de chambre. Far in advance of all, however, was my lord with a drawn
sword in his hand, shouting, "Where is the wretch who has dishonoured my
son, where is he? He shall die forthwith." I know not how it was, mon
maitre, but I just then chanced to spill a large bowl of garbanzos, which
were intended for the puchera of the following day. They were un-cooked,
and were as hard as marbles; these I dashed upon the floor, and the
greater part of them fell just about the doorway. Eh bien, mon maitre,
in another moment in bounded the count, his eyes sparkling like coals,
and, as I have already said, with a rapier in his hand. "Tenez, gueux
enrage," he screamed, making a desperate lunge at me; but ere the words
were out of his mouth, his foot slipping on the pease, he fell forward
with great violence at his full length, and his weapon flew out of his
hand, comme une fleche. You should have heard the outcry which
ensued--there was a terrible confusion; the count lay upon the floor to
all appearance stunned. I took no notice, however, continuing busily
employed. They at last raised him up, and assisted him till he came to
himself, though very pale and much shaken. He asked for his sword: all
eyes were now turned upon me, and I saw that a general attack was
meditated.
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