This portrait represented a young man of thirty years of age. He was clad in black velvet and wore the gold collar of the Order of St. Michael. A more sympathetic face it would be difficult to conceive. The looks, and the smile that flitted over the lips of this personage, were expressive of touching melancholy.
"Oh!" said Lebrenn, "the sight of this one rests my mind--calms it--consoles it. Thanks to God, he is not the only one who fell short of the hereditary wickedness of his stock!"
Lebrenn's meditations were interrupted by the entrance of the Count of Plouernel.
Lebrenn was so absorbed in his own thoughts that he started at the entrance of the Count into the hall. Despite his self-control, the linendraper, the descendant of Joel, whose family had, across the ages, so often encountered that of Neroweg in deadly feud, could not help betraying a certain degree of emotion at finding himself face to face with a descendant of this ancient family. Moreover, it should be stated that Lebrenn had been informed by Jeanike of the colonel's frequent peering through the glass windows of his shop. Nevertheless, so far from seeming concerned or irritated, Lebrenn assumed an air of naive and embarrassed simplicity, which the Count of Plouernel attributed to the respectful deference that he would naturally inspire in a resident of St. Denis Street.
The Count, accordingly, addressed the merchant in an accent of patronizing familiarity, pointing him to an easychair, while he let himself down in another.
"Oh, monsieur," said Lebrenn, bowing clumsily, "indeed, you do me great honor--"
"Come, come; no ceremonies, my dear sir," interjected the Count, and he added interrogatingly; "my dear monsieur--Lebrenn--I believe?"
"Lebrenn," answered the merchant, with a bow. "Lebrenn, at your service."
"Very good. I yesterday had the pleasure of seeing Madam Lebrenn, and of mentioning to her a large order I have for linen goods for my regiment."
"Very happy, indeed, we are, monsieur, that you have honored our poor shop with your custom. I came to learn from you how many meters of linen you want, and of what quality. I have here some samples with me," he added, affecting to be busily engaged rummaging in his coat pockets after the samples. "Will it please you to choose--I shall give you the price, monsieur--the exact price--the lowest figure--"