Standing not far away from the Madame, I slid over quickly and silently, murmuring when I was close, “Madame, perhaps your temperament may soothe these two men when there need be no hard feelings.”

Her crystal eyes met mine and she nodded, breaking out of the spell that was created through the force of the two personalities battling in the middle of the room. Stepping forward she placed a hand on the Monsieur’s arm and gently spoke, “Bernard, let us go now, please? Diego is simply snappish right now, and meant no offense. I wish to get to the performance well before it starts.” A touch of insistence, softened by her tone, ensured that only the cruel would ignore her.

“Just a moment, dear. I must talk to Master LaMontangue for a moment before we leave.” With a surprisingly gentle motion he patted her hand and removed it, stepping over to converse with Master LaMontangue. Diego, watching the Monsieur warily for a moment, returned to his work along with the other pressmen. I, of course, stepped forward to stand beside the Madame.

“Thank you, Madame. I had hoped that your sense of equality would shine through and save the evening.”

“You assume much to think it was my sense of equality.” A quiet smile met my surprised eyes and she continued, “Perhaps I just wanted to get to the performance.”

“Perhaps. But somehow I doubt that.” I tapped my lips briefly, then murmured, “If you had more time, I’d ask you for further opinions on the Declaration.”

“And if I had more time, I would give them. But I do not, so your questions must wait.” The Monsieur finished his conversation with Master LaMontangue and was approaching.

I gave the Madame a slight bow, smiling, “It was good to see you again.” I gave the Monsieur a more differential bow, saying, “I shall be back next week with more news.” Without waiting for a reply, I turned and made my way towards the back exit.

I caught some sort of words of apology from the Master when I neared, but nothing specific. Soon I was unhitching Bonne Chance and getting ready to go home.

In the night sky, the moon was almost full, a brilliant silver disk. I paused to gaze at it, then slow, misty clouds obscured it, creeping along its surface until it disappeared and the night was pitch supported by the occasional street lamp. A chill wind pierced my cloak and I mounted Bonne Chance, making my way down the alley.