Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1880-07-08
THE STORY OF A AGRASSHOpPER.

the trees in the magnificent park al
Versailles, tiny cottage of Swiss archi-
lecture. Had any French peasant been
asked the question as to who owned thi,
fanciful dwelling, the reply would hav,
been given, "That is the dairy of Dam
Capetl"
And, as the reader may at once sur
mise, this Dame Capet was no less a
parsonage than the lovely but unfortu-
nate queen, Marie AntOinette.
Here, cne summer afternoon long
ssgo, was assembled group of women,
whom by their rustic attire you would
have called peasant-girls, were it not
4 for the indescribable high bred air
about their words and actions.
The room in which they were gath-
cred was large and sunny, the floor was
of black walnut-highly polished-and
!, here and there were tables covered with
thin slabs of marble, upon which were
placed silver and porcelain pans, con-
tanning creamy white milk from the
sleek cows browsing outside the dwell
ing.
One beautiful young girl, whose fair
complexion showed in fine contrast to
her blue dress, was skimming the cream,
while three other ladies-one, plump
and rosy, the other, tall, thin and angu-
lar, and the third, petite and piquante-
stood, with elbows resting on the mar
BILE slabs, watching her.
These four were respectively, Eliza
beth. the kings lister, Madame Campan,
the Duchess de Polignac, and the Prin-
cess Lambella.
But in this little dairy cottage all titles
were laid aside.
Another group was gathered at the
table by the window. Here the queen,
graceful woman, with merry face and
rich brown hair, wearing a costume OF
blue and russell, was molding the golden
butter into balls, each stamped with a
rose. or some other design OF flower CT
fruit.
Scarcely had she finished the last yell
low pat ere there was noise of foot
steps at the vinearched doorway. The
ladies glanced up and welcomed with
silvery laughter and gay words the
party of gentlemen, who now entered
in rustic costume, bearing loose blouses,
and with rustic ribbons upon their
hats.
.tWeleome allr' cried the queen,
payly, brandishing her butter ladle.
q All save Monsieur de Lanier," she
added, in an aside to young girl who
stoon near her.
The person whom she addressed was,
as we have said, young, and. besides
this, she was extremely beautiful, with
perfect features, delicate pink-and-pearl
complexion, large, soft, blue eyes, and
with masses of shining, bronze-brown
hair, half concealed by coquettish
little lace-cap adorned with crimson
ribbons. He dress was black delaine,
looped over a quilted. crimson petticoat,
so short that it displayed pair oi
dainty feet encased in tiny slippers,
with high heels and gay, crimson
rosettes. Her blue eyes flashed, and
she said, in low tones:
s. Yes, your majesty mean Dame
Capet-Monsieur de Lanier is never wei
coined by me, Louis d'Argent."
You did right to refuse him, cherie.
No one could endure such bear for 9
husband" said the queen, glancine
toward tall, gaunt man, whose thin
fiercely compressed lips, thick, bristline
eyebrows and fierce, deep set eyes made
his face most unprepossing one.
"But what strange creature has ht
with himP'' exclaimed the queen, bel
BRIGHT eyes widening with aslonish
! ment. And then, curiosity overcoming
| dislike, she call ID out: Pray, Monsieur
de Lanier. what rara avis brings yor
hitherp''
Advancing with a flourish and
smirk, De Lanier said:
This is no bird, your high-Dam,
Capet; it is grasshopper, Monsieur
Santerelle,' y pointing with mock gravit,
toward a little creature, scarcely foul
feet in height, who, besides being 81
diminutive in stature, was also strangel,
deformed. having large head set OF
bumped shoulders, and with long, thil
arms and legs. His face was small
wien and yellow, with irregular fea
lures. The only thing not repulsiv
were his eyes; these were large, BROW
and mild, with that look OF dumb en-
treaty about them that one often sees il
the eyes of animals.
His costume consisted of waistcoat an
mee-breeches of pale, pea-green velvet
long silk stockings, high-heeled slippers
together with p jaunty hat and light
airy cloak of mingled green and brow
tissue. completed bis attire.
Truly, from his entire appearance. b
well deserved the French name Of grass
hopper THAT il, Z le santerelle."
During the time of Louis XIV, an
<ycil down 70 other r6iGns. thGfo Waa