There was a time of restoring order after coming home from the siege. De Guiche had the business of being an officer on the field, now he had the business of being an officer in Pars- business that nobody seemed to grasp. Unchecked bravado was fine for the men, but he must demonstrate prudence and decorum.

He examined his closet, and fingered his officer's scarf, discarded in flight and returned by that arrogant peasant de Bergerac. It had been badly trod in the mud in between, and was still faintly stained. Would it ever be truly white again?