The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1856-08-20
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From the Modern Story Teller.
THE KING AND MAID-oF.HONOR

Every one knows and admires the mar.
nihcent carpet of verdure spread bv The
elegant hand of Lcnotre in the gardens Of
Versailles; that long, smooth grass plot,
whose fiowery borders fringe tie stems Of
the Grand Terrace and he margin of the
Apollo Basin. Lenotre's Tapis Vert, which
IN by-gonG Times was trodden only bv
the delicate feet OF the beauties Of the
court OF the Grand Monarque," is now
inc summer evening resort OF all the 1rtiis
oou/geotS and renters of Versailles, Tn.
soldiers of the garrison and the nursery.
MAIDS IN the service of the neiehbor;nr
families, have succeeded to the celebrated
warriors and illustrated beauties of former
days. The pages of Louis XIV, are rop.
resented by the gamins of the Seine ct
oise, and Madames charming maids Of.
honor have given place to the finely dyeas.
ed wives and daughters of the uadesmen
of the Avenue de Paris.
Two centuries ago, at the dale of rho
httle story about to be related, the Tapis
Vert was the afternoon resort of all tho
rank, beauty and talent-all the royalty
OF monarchal France. After some time
passed in chatting and promenading, the
gay asSemblage was want to disperse, and
forming little scattered groopes, would re-
tire into the grottos am! 6osqucts. or wan.
der through the labyrinthian paths of the
enchanting gardens. Louis XIY. san,cr.
ed up and down, in all the pomp of his
sel:-compIacent dignity, side hy side with
Mausard, who had raised the graceful
structure OF the palace-with februn, who
had adorned it with his pencils magic
Rrt-with Glraldon and lie Puget, whose
chlsels had impaired almost brenthinp life
TO thesieitles, nymphs, and graces Of the
heathen mythology-or with Colbert. the
bold agent OF royal enterprises, ever ready
10 receive or to impart sublime idea,
Statesnnn and generals usually collect
together in some remote corner of the re-.
gal domain. One Of their iavorite haun,s
was the Gent Marches" which possibly
10 their frequent presence owes its name
OF " Escaier DIES Geans" Beaux.espri,s,
poets, artists, and other profane thinkers,
loved TO chat together in the oranpcry
amidst the flowers and perfume of sunny
Provence.
The reverend guests of the royal mas.
ter OF Versailles, consisting of dign;.aries
ofthe church and eloquent preachers, slow.
" paced up and down the famous "Allee
deS Phiiosphes," where Bossuet and his
friends discussed important affairs, tempo
RAJ as well as spiritual. In fine, of al The
brilliant Court Of Louis Quatorzc. there
remained on the Tapis Vert, alta certain
hour in the evening, only the officers Of
tho household tie Kings pages, aid,
DANES maids. of honor.
Now for glimpse at the innocent pas
times OF the noble demoiselles of that age.
Let 1t not be supposed that madame's
mads-of honor invariably employed their
evenings in flirting with the gay cavaliers
oi The Court, or in keeping love assigfa.
mons m the shady bosquets Of the gardens!
ny no means; they often took pleasure
IN diversions Of much more childish
character. For example they were all
assembled one evening on the Tapis Vert,
trying who among them could accomplish
the feat of walking blndfold from one end
of the "tasNplot to the other, without de.
waiting c.ther to the right or to the ,sf,
--without approaching the lateral gravel
walks,or touching the fowery borders at
either end. The perseverance with which
they endeavored to accomplish this un-
dertaking was almost inconceivable.-'
Though each successively failed in the
trial, yet with urhagging spiii. they over
and over again commenced the tedious
and difficult task, while every renewed at.
tempt lett the problem Of the Straight line
Still uGsolysd.
One Of the young ladies--tbe Ioyelicst
OF all the fair group--was rcsolutely bent
on accomplishing the apparent impossi.
bility. This was Louise de Navarro = she
had vowed she would succeed, were il on
~ for the sake Of tsunting her companions
ON their failure and as she possessed as
much pride, vanity, and wilfulnoss, as ev
~ fell TO the lot Of any daughter Of Eve,
she nude it point Of honor TO accom-.
pllsh her VOW, though its fulfiIIment would