The Vermont transcript. [volume] (St. Albans, Vt.) 1864-1870, 1865-11-10

his god-daughter, having dismissed
his suite, and only keeping with him a
magnificent pointer.
Good morning, marchioness," said
the king, as he entered, putting down
his fowling piece in corner. Il have
come to ask your hospitality. We
were caught in a shower, at your gate
-Richelieu and /. | have packed of
Richelieu. But don't put yourself
out of the way, marchioness. Let
Aspasia finish this becoming pile oi
your head-dress, and Florlne spread
out with her silver knife the scented
powder that blends so well with the
lilies and the roses of your bewitchine
face. Why my dear marchioness
you're so pretty, one could eat you
up!'
"You think me SO, sire
II tell you so every day. Oh, what
fine oranges !"
And the king seated himself upon
the roomy sofa, by the side of the
warehouses, whose rosy fnger-tips
he kissed with an infnity of grace
Then taking up one of the oranges
that he had admired, he proceeded
leisurely to examine it.
But" said he at length, "what are
oranges doing by the side of youl
Chinese powder-box and your scent
bottles ? Is there any connection be
tween this fruit and the maintenance
easy as it is, marchioness, of yout
charms r
These oranges, replied the lady
gravely, fulfilled just now, sire, the
functions Of destiny"
The king opened wide bis eyes, and
stroked the long cars Of his dog, BY
way Of giving the marchioness time t.
explain her meaning
1T was the Countess who gave then
to me, she continued.
Madame Dubarry p
Exactly SO, sire.
"a trumpery gift, it seems to me
marchioness.
Il hold it, on the contrary, to be al
important one; since l repeat to You
majesty, that these oranges decide
my fate"
Il give it up said the king
Imagine, sire; yesterday | founC
the countess occupied in tossing he
oranges up and down, in this way;
and the marchioncss recommence,
her game with skill that cannot b,
described.
Il see, said the king; "she accom-
panied this singular amusement Will
the words, Up, Choiseul up, Praslin
and, on my word, | fancy how thu
pair jumped"
Precisely so, sire.
"And do you dabble in politics
marchionesss? Have you fancy TO
uniting with the countess, just to NOR
tify my poor ministers ?"
'By no means, sire; for. in place 0
Monsieur de Choiseul and the Duk,
de Praslin, I was saying to myself
just now, Up, Mennevall up, Beau
gency!'"
.'Ay, ay," returned the king; "anC
why the deuce would you have then
jumping, those two good-looking no
blemen-M enneval, who is Cresus
and Beaugency, who is a statesman
and dances the minuet to perfection.
IN tell you" said the lady. "Yol
know, sire, that the Count de MEME
val is an accomplished gentleman,
handsome man, gallant cavalier, al
indefatigable dancer, and longing 70
nothing so much as to live in th
country, on his estate in Touraine, OF
the banks Of the Loire, with the wo
man whom he loves or will love, ia
from the court, from grandeur, an'
from turmoil. Nor are you unaware
sire, that Count de Beaugency is on
of the most brilliant courtiers of Yer
sailles; ambitious, burning with zen
for the service of your majesty, ant
capable Of going to the end of tn
earth-with the title of Embassado
of the King of France"
Il know that" chimed in Louis XIV
with laugh. But, alas i hay
more ambassadors than embassie!
My ante-chambers overflow ever
morning"
"Now," continued the marchionesi
Il have been widow these two year
past"
"a long time, there's no denying.
! "Ahl" sighed she, there's no nee
> to tell me so, sire. But Count d
= Menneval loves meat least, he say
| so, and / am easily persuaded.