part, in maintaining the equality of the house against
what otherwise would have been overwhelming odds;
but he was at last disabled by a blow with the butt
of a fowling-piece, whilst the lap-dog, as it stood bark-
ing on the borders of the fray, was shot dead by the
cowardly and vindictive Narcisse. This was too
much to be borne, and, indignant, the ladies de-
scended to the lawn. At the same moment, three fe-
male domestics appeared upon the scene, and changed
the character of the encounter. Three brawny ruf-
fians seized each an Abigail, and attempted to bear
her off, as of old the treacherous Roman bachelors
carried the Sabine maids. Screams filled the air,
mingled with oaths and laughter; and the affair that
had been begun in vulgar, aimless, frolic, might
have ended in serious outrage, but just then a horse-
man appeared at the gate, dismounted, and, rushing
in, riding-whip in hand, plied it with such vigor,
that in a few seconds all the rude gang had fled ex-
cept Narcisse, who, having stumbled, was seized by
the collar, hurried forward, and spurned through the
gateway into the road, leaving his fowling-piece be-
hind him.

The stranger now for the first time seemed to ob-
serve the ladies, and bowing to them respectfully, for
a moment appeared to hesitate whether to approach
and address them. They, too, stood silent, but it
was with mixed astonishment and agitation, and
he still stood regarding the younger with an expres-
sion of deep admiration; till, as if suddenly recollect-
ing himself, and bowing yet more profoundly than
before, accompanied with an apologetic smile, en-
hancing the beauty of his young and noble coun-

[[19]]

p018 _ -chap- _ toc-1 _ p019w _ toc-2 _ +chap+ _ p020

v?