The New Orleans Democrat., 1876-05-07

OF Wh1te dADaSk, SlaSHeu VIII DlaCk
bands Of the same material, crossed by
other bands, SO as to form sort of graf
ing. buttoned from the throat to the
girlle, and fitting closely to the person.
revealed the outline OF his full Antinous
like chest, as well as his slender circum-
ference OF waist. while the just proper
tions of his lower limbs were as accu-
rately defined by the satin hose. similar
in color to his doublet. and similarly
slashed, i'm which they were envelOped.
A short Spanish cloak Of black velvet.
edged with gold lace. hung from his left
shoulder, and descended as low as the
elbow. His arms were rapier and u
poignard. suspended from % richly or
Damented girdle. Boots OF buff skin.
sharply pointed atsthe top, rs was then
tho mode. were fitted upon feet that
seemed almost dminutive in comparison
with the lofty stature OF the wearer. His
hat was looped with n diamond buckle,
and crested 10y q single green feather.
To the modern observer, perhaps the
triple folds of bis ruff and the vOlumi-
nous width Of his sleeve might appear
formal and redundant, but these ex-
uberanees were then altogether unno-
ticed or possibly regarded with rs much
complacency as a sleeve Of gigot might
be at the present time. In sooth, de-
spite It's stiffness and extravaganza,
there was something picturesque and
imposing in the court costume Of Honri
Trois, tvho. if he had no especial genius
for monarchy. had uuducstionably
II great talent for the toilet,
that amply redeemed its iucou-
grutes Of taste. Crchton figure,
however. owed little TO the advcntitious
circumstances OF dress. and. in fact. was
wholly indppondcnt Of it.
As Crichton fingered for an instant
beneath the shadow Of the archway, the
rector laid his band upon his shoulder,
with the intention, apparently, OF arrest
ing for u short space his further pro
gress. He was not. perhaps. unwilling
to afford the Junior members OF tho uni
versity, who had been debarred from
attending the disputatlon, n momentary
opportunity Of noting the striking per
sonal appearance Of ono. whose name
would long be associated with its annals,
or it might be that be was Influenced by
some ulterior motive. Whatever occa-
stoned the delay, it was matter OF graf.
ulation to the scholars, who renewed
their applauses in consequence.
"By the roodl" exclaimed the Sorbon-
ist, II am glad they have come to n
pause. We were out in our reckoning,
Don Diego; this Crichton is Il perfect
knight OF romance, a Bayard as well as
Politian. Was there ever such u combi-
nation of qualities? / can scarce credit
my senses when / look at him. Why.
he hath barely n beard upon his chin.
and vet to W. Gs! = .sh all our reverend doc
tors Sham I'D confusion to them, and
glory and renown to him"
"Humph |" muttered Caravaja, will
he pass by us, think you p
81 know not" returned the SorbOnist,
"let us, If possible, get nearer. Mcthinks
old Adrien is making up his mouth to II
speech"
"My elbows are at your SERVICE re-
piled the Sorbonist, "bravely done! We
have effected passage with more ease
than anticipated, thanks to thy sharp
bones BY my faith, we are in the very
nick of time. Look at the Seigneurs
d'Epernon and Joyeuse. They are ac-
counted the handsomest, as they arc the
bravest Of our kings court. and yet,
certes, peerless cavaliers though they
be. they bear no comparison with this
northern lumiuary.'
"You own it!' cried ORilvy. whom
the speakers had approached; you ad-
nit my countryman' superiority am
satisfied Let not our quarrel 60 further.
How say you, Sir Spaniard, will you re
fuse me your hand? | was hasty, and
reck' not what | said. We will drown
the remembrance Of our brawl over u
stoop of claret would willingly drink
u cup to the health of our admirable
Crichton.'
Ogilvy stretched out his hand. Cara
vaja, however, hesitated to accept it.
"By the cindcrs Of ST. Anthony he
muttered, "the duelo must take It's
course"
''St. Anthony forefendr' whispered
the Sorbonist. "a cup of claret shed in
the tavern is better than blood split in
the duelo. Besides, he added, in still
lower key; that need be no hindrance
to the subsequent arrangement OF tho
affair, if YOU see fitting. | warrant me,
you will readily find new grounds for
ofrense Swallow thy Indignation" he
continued, aloud, ''and take the hand OF
the valiant Scot.
"Bien," said Caravaja, apparently con
vinced by the reasoning Of the Sorbonist; !;
II assent. We will compotate to the
health Of The Admirable Crichton,
since such is the epithet by which he is
henccforth to be distinguished.
Enough said Ogilvy, grasping the
hand Of the Spapiard; quit not my side
in the press OR meet me anon AT the
Pine Apple
Conclude me there already, returned
Caravaja.
Meantime all the more distinguished
auditors Of the disputation, including
the Governor Of Paris, the am mbassadors,
the Vicomte de Joyeuse, and the Baron
d'Epernon. who, with some others
(nshered forth by the grand master OF
the College OF Nevarre, Doctor Launoi,
and escorted by the two prin
cipals Of dialects and philosophy.
had followed close upon the steps OF
the rector, were drawn up in q small
phalanx beside them, and appeared to
await their further movements. Amidst
this group the stately figures and mag
nificent accoutremcnts OF the two ia
vorites of the king stood out conspicu
ously. Both were esteemed the flower
of the chivalry Of their time, and both
were equally remarkable FOR their gal
lantry, their good looks and reckless
courage. Jcan-Louis de Nogaret de Ia
Valette, Baron d'Epernon, possessed
many brilliant qualities. 10 his vigor
and address Henry was subsequently
indebted for the preservation OF his
l. 4 tL,.