The baron stooped down, took the
old black cat up in his arms, and tenderly caressed him as he advanced
towards the stables; then put him down gently as he reached Bayard's
stall, and another touching scene of affectionate greeting was enacted.
The poor old pony laid his head lovingly on his master's shoulder, and
actually tried to kick up his hind legs in a frisky way in honour of the
great event; also, he received the horse that de Sigognac had ridden all
the way from Paris, and which was put in the stall beside his own,
very politely, and seemed pleased to have a companion in his solitary
grandeur.
"And now that I have responded to the endearments of my dumb friends,"
said the baron to Pierre, "we will go into the kitchen, and examine
into the condition of your larder. I had but a poor breakfast this
morning, and no dinner at all, being anxious to push on and reach my
journey's end before nightfall. I am as hungry as a bear, and will be
glad of anything, no matter what."
"I have not much to put before you, my lord, and I fear that you
will find it but sorry fare after the delicacies you must have been
accustomed to in Paris; but though it will not be tempting, nor over
savoury, it will at least satisfy your hunger."
"That is all that can be required of any food," answered de Sigognac,
"and I am not as ungrateful as you seem to think, my good Pierre, to the
frugal fare of my youth, which has certainly made me healthy, vigorous,
and strong.
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