Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1894-03-15
CHAPTER TX.
The Hunt.

Inc hunt.
The day fixed for the execution of
these projects was rainy and disagree
able. In the vast stables fifty horses.
ready Saddled, waited with erect ears.
and striking the earth impatientIy with
their hOOfs. Numerous hounds were
grouped around the doors. Here and
there wandered the huntsmen; officers
became indifferent to weather, since
Rocroy and Lens chatted together.
All were anxious to see the young
duke dressed in his first hunting suit.
I Every officer in the service of the
! prince, every retainer of this noble
house, had held it a duty to come to
Chantlly ON this occasion. The guests
/ were admitted each on showing his
| letter Of invitation, and altogether
there were about eighty or ninety per-
sons. A magnificent white horse, on
which was saddle with a seat before
it for the young duke, attracted general
attention. Still, other guests seemed
| to be expected, for there was no men
+ ton Of starting. About half past ten,
three gentlemen, followed by six Wallets
(
filled valiSeS, entered the courtyard
Then a man dressed In blue approached
the new corners, who, by their soaked
dresses and muddy boots. seemed to
have come from a considerable dis
lance.
whence come you, gentlemen?'
asked he.
"FrOm tha north -
"And where are you going?
ITO the burial
"The proof?"
Our Grape"
The three gentlemen had each
Grape on his sword hilt
Excuse my questions, gentlemen
The castle is at your service; you will
find a table prepared, a room warmed,
and servants waiting your orders
Your people shall be taken care of
also"
The gentlemen entered the dining
room, while their horses were cleaned
and fed. Scarcely We're they at table,
when six other cavaliers and Wallets
entered, and We're likewise askd,-
Whence come your"
From Picardy."
where are you going?"
ITO the burial"
"The proof"
"Our Grape" And they then joined
| the first corners at the table.
From this time, until noon, parties
of three, five, or six, kept continually
arriving, and the same colloquy took
place. When they had dined, Lenet
entered and said, Gentlemen, Madame
la Princesse desires me to thank you
for visiting her, on your way to the
funeral of NJ. lie Due Larochefoucault
VIII you please to take part in the stag
hunt, given in honor of the birthday
Of NJ. lie Due d'Enghien? After the
chase, Madame la Princesse will meet
and thank you at the supper table"
A murmur of appreciation followed
this speech, and they then dispersed to
prepare for the hunt. Meanwhile the
young duke was contemplating with
great pleasure the new dress which he
was to assume; it was black velvet
embroidered with silver. By his side
stood another little boy, some few
months older, with rosy cheeks, and
/ beautiful fair hair, looking ON with
mingled envy and admiration. This
was Pierrot, the gardeners son, who
was often admitted to play with the
young duke.
At one o'clock a horn sounded for the
start, when all the gentlemen drew up
in rank; while the little duke on his
white horse, supported by Violas, rode
! through the line, followed by the
squires and ladies of honor. After
him came his mother, splendidly
dressed, and near her the Vicomtesse de
Cambes, who looked charming, having
resumed her female attire. The enthu-
siasm was great; the child acknowl-
edged it with a pleased smile, and the
princess with a graceful dignity.
Once in the park, the gates We're
closed behind them, and strict orders
given to the sentinel to admit no one
who could not answer the three ques-
tons which formed the pass word.
Outside the park, six cavaliers, richly
: dressed, stopped at the sound of the
horns; and one, who seemed to be their
chief, said, Let us present ourselves
!; at the gates Of the park, and ask for
admission; they surely will not refuse
1t to people dressed as we are, after
! receiving the addressed groups we
. have been meeting all the morning"
"You forget, Cauvagnac," answered
one of the others, 'that these badly