The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1902-10-22

Latleur to carry Henriette TO bel-Alr,
and we Will visit those gardens on the
same evening that the beautiful Or
phan was abducted.
The scene there was q brlIllant one,
well illustrating the pleasures OF the
mobiles Of France about the beginning
Of the present century.
a small garden had been made IN
the midst OF 4 natural grove. Whlcn
was shut out from the curious gaze OF
the world by several small cottages or
chalets, decorated in the highest style
of art: and which served the Marquis
de PreSleS as a retreat, where. free
from intrusion. that profiigate noble
man could enjoy the society OF boon
companions. who. like himself, lived
only for the present and its pleasures.
On this particular evening the gar
dens were Illuminated. ana large
party Of so-called ladies and gentle
men were assembled to do full honor
to the entertainments for which the
marquis was celebrated.
AS we attempt to pass within the
enclosure, we are stopped by numer-
Gus crowd Of lackeyS, who demanC 10
see our card OF admission, and failing
to produce such a passport, We are tolo
we are not allowed even near the
gardens; while all efforts to induce
any Of them to present our cards 10
the master OF this retreat are equally
unavailing, as they declare that thelr
orders are most positive, and we
r. must 60 quietly away or be forced to
60. Thus iealously does the marquis
guard his retreat from importunate
creditor or unwelcome friend.
InaSmuch as we only visit Bel-Alr
in fancy, we can bid defiance to the
marQuis's orders, and enter without
his permission.
Around the tables which are placed
in the garden, a number Of ladies and
gentlemen are seated, drinking wine
while they discuss the latest court
news, or the most interesting scandal.
"Well, what do you think OF my re.
treat from the whirl and hustle OF
Paris?'; asked the marquis Of his visa
Wis, who was a daShing sort Of beauty.
My dears Marquis" replied that
lady, II am delighted. 1t is salts
faction to find a gentleman who NAM
tainS the customs Of his rank
''And yet there are fools who want
to change themw exclaimed a young
nobleman from the opposite table.
You are right-foolS-fool an
swered De PreSleS, as he motloned to
the servants for more wine.
by the way" asked the lady who
had first spoken, You have heard the
newS?'
AS no one had heard anything partl-
cularly new for the past two hours'
she continued by saying:
They say that the new minister OF
police is as hard as stone, and colo as
fish. He is going to put stop TO all
our amusementS, and, marquis, this
may be the last entertainment you
give at Bel-Air."
.sNonsense,' exclaimed the host.
s'I'd like to see the minister OF police
who would dare to interfere with the
pleasures Of French nobleman. Who
and what is hep
He is from Tourains: is called the
Count de LiniereS, and is the uncle OF
the Chevalier Maurice de Eaudrey."
"Where is the cheyalier"' suddenly
asked one Of the ladies, as she was thus
reminded Of one whom report had oes-
cribed as rather eccentric, and on whom
she wished to exercise her charms.
"You promised me l should see him,
Marquis
$50 did, and I expect him as we'll
as another guest. l warn you, !adleS,
that she will be a rival to you all.
"Who is the other gueSt?' was the
question which aSSailed him from all
quarters.
"a young lady" answered the mar
ouis. as if enraptured at the thought.
'sSweet sixteen, beautiful as rose,
and innocent as an angel ,
"Where did you find such a pearl:'
asked one Of the ladies, banteringly'
''In Normandy"
This announcement was followed by
general laugh
"Yes. I know these Normandy beau !
ties with caps six feet high" laughed
one of the ladies betrayilg in spite Of
herself, a tinge Of jealousy in her voice.
:sIn wooden shoes" added another OF
the fair ones, and hair plated down |
her back
Laugh away, ladies'" said De Pres
beauty in high cap, wooden shoes
and all, and then see how jealous you
will all become at sight OF her." !
At this moment a voice was heafo
from the outside, and in the midst OF
some confusion, rather singular voice |
was heard saying: -,
IT tell you I must 60 in, and I will.
must speak to your master"
On hearing this the marquis went
toward the entrance, and demanded
of the servants who tflS was, who was
so importunate.
picard" answered the owner of
the singular voice Picard. valet to
the Chevalier de Eaudrey."
The marquis Immediately gave Or
ders that he be admitted, and sharp.
wiry-looking fellow, wearing the DE
Vaudry livery, stood before the gay
party.
Most excellent Marquis, and most |
beautiful ladies'" said he, in an al
fectionate tone, and with a low bow,
which was received with laughter, Il
am very sorry, but my master asks
, you to excuse him"
EXCUSE him?" echoed one of the
ladies. ''why he promised- !
Il did the promising answered
Picard, with another of his sweeping
bows. HE said he did not know
whether he could come or not. out
thinking l could persuade him. l
promised for him.
Then you took a great liberty"
said De Presles, ''and he ought to pun
ish you for it..
''Certainly heought." answered Pic
ard, blandly: Il wish he would: but !
alas, my master is not like other mas
ter at all"
Seeing looks of incredulity at this
statement, Picard continued, IN a
most solemn manner.
1T is so. gentlemen. He spends his
nights in pleasure. as a young noble |
man should: but his days-how 90 you
suppose he spends his days: