The Press., 1890-03-06
A. CHINA SERVICE.

and bunting Streamed gayly m Gne breeze, the martial notes of music filled the air, and the proud, steady tread of many feet in har- mony suggested thoughts at once patriotic and soul stirring. The streets, crossings, every available inch of space along the line of march was thronged with an expectant, sympathetic mass, whose cheery smile broke into prolonged .Hurrahr' as the brilliant line of soldiery came in view.
 What sight it wasi That eager, enthusi- astic body of men, clad in their fresh gray uniforms and nodding plumes, their muskets gleaming like solid mass of silvery light, their swords refecting every glint of sunlight like kaleidoscope's changeful rays There was no American or French quarter in New Orleans that day, for national honor and pride were at stake and native creole and grafted civilian laid aside race prejudices, and with hearts threbbing in unison gathered beneath the stars and bars at the southern bugle's call.
 Down in the rue Rampant, in a mansion that stands out upon the street, with its mas sive front, white huted columns and wide spreading galleries, making it even today a conspicuous landmark of pride ill the vieux carre, there was gathered a bright and merry group of creole maidens and matrons who fluttered gayly about amid the streaming banners and evergreens, chattering like so many busy magpies, or peering anxiously down the streetas each breath of wind waited the distant strains of music, or some mis- chievous lad perched in the trees around gave the false alarm, "Les soldatsr les soldats! ills viennent, ils viennentl"
 But presently the unmistakable rush of the crowd announced the moment of suspense was over; far down the street could be seen the -glittering line, far above the din of the music could be heard the deafening cheers, and from pavement to balcony the air was white with the fiutter of handkerchiefs and fragrant with the scent of roses as dainty maidens flung bouquets or pelted with show CTS of snowy petals the soldier lads of their choice; and many were the silent prayers as a regiment we'll known in Louisiana annals drew up in line before the old creole mansion and doffed their caps, while mademoiselle, fair and blushing, stepped from amidst her bevy of girl friends and in the names of the ladies of the faubourg presented them the battle flag which was soon to be dyed in the blood of its brave defenders
 But little rocked they that fair spring morning of the sorrows or horrors of war; to them it seemed mere child's play: few strokes of their swords, few shots and it would all, be over, and they would return covered with glory. They placed their hands above their hearts, did those honest soldier boys; they waved their helmets above their heads, and with all the chivalry of the knights of the romantic ages they drew a cross upon their swords and vowed to con- quer or die for their lady loves and native land.
 Ohl the silvery nipples of laughter and ap- plause that burst from the rose petaled lips of that garden of girls; the low whispered nothings that fell upon the ear as in response to monsieur and madame's gracious invita- tion the company entered and broke into de- lightful tete-a-tetes about the spacious par lors; the soft tend CT echoes of recorded vow the gentle. smothered undertone of a half repressed sob, when lol the great din- ing hall was thrown open and madame, gra- cious and smiling, bade all enter and partake of the last breakfast of state at which many of them were ever to assist.
 Madame surpassed herself that morning in her art of entertaining; that old dining hall had never before worn that same aspect, and even those accustomed to frequenting the house habitually uttered an exclamation of wonder and admiration as they looked upon the elegantly arranged table and rare and beautiful service which adorned it.
 Such cups, such plates, such exquisitely wrought dishes of the finest royal Dresden, each piece a perfect study in itself, represent ing different design uniquely and chastely finished An idea of the number of pieces that made up the whole may be imagined when it is mentioned that of the corbeilles for flowers alone there were sixteen, and upon them as we'll as upon the entire set the finest art of the decorator had been expended in designing trailing flowers and vines, beauti- full views of mountains, lakes and wales, quaint scenes from Switzerland, Moorish castles in Spain, the Rhine by moonlight and representations of the contenporaneous his tory of it's period. ef ss
 "Ahl ecomme est beau! magnifquel bellel admirableI,, and all the prolific and expres- sive adiectives of the Latin tongues were called into requfsftion as the guests, forget ful of propriety or politeness in so doing, looked at, but scarcely dared to touch the delicate china, so exquisite, so fragile, with its towering leaves and petals, that 1t seemed designed only for fairy feast and to be touched by fairy fingers.
 ''There is quite history attached to this service," said madame, in her ripping, musi- cal French, as she graciously assigned the guests to their respective seats, and motioned the well trained domestics to perform their duties; "quite history" she repeated, with pardonable pride, Ia souvenir which my family preserves with pleasure. Perhaps it is out of place to recall it here, but since you have all seemed so interested, will relate the story. My great grandmother was la premiere dame de compagnie to the queen of Portugal. She was great favorite and an acknowledged belle at court.
 "One morning the king gave superb break, fast in her honor, and this service, used only on the grandest occasions, was called into requisition. Just as you have admired il here, so she was struck with its beauty then and commented upon it to his majesty, al whose right hand she sat. Henever did any thing by halves, did that gracious old king / That very evening, while my ancestor, proud and happy at the honor bestowed upon hel that morning, sat in her boudoir receiving the congratulations of her friends, a mes senger arrived from the king, bearing thu identical service used at the mornings feast and begging that, as she had so much ad mired it, she would, as favor from th' king, accept it in memory of. that day"
 "Ah! it is indeed something of which to b' proudI'' remarked a lady who sat near.
 ."We seldom use it," continued madame s'when we do servant is never allowed t touch it. It has been the pride of the ladie of my house that they alone have handled it RU TEisFIEl.ly'S Wood Var D is unusually well stocked with wood, which vi be delivered either aWed, split or tn FOtl