The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-12-20

hagons of curious shapes from Flanders
cups from Italy that Cellini might have
chased, exquisite dishes of the finest
Sevres pate tendre, the royal porcelain
Of France, first coming into use at that
time-Madarne de POmpadour's one good
gift to humanity-were ranged upon the
board. Wine Of the rarest vintage, fabu-
lousy old and each drop priceless.
sparkled In the tall crystal goblets which
some rowing ancestor had brought from
Venice. The damask linen cloth was
strewn with strange and beautiful orchids
from the matchless conservatories Of the
chateau, their odd shapes and lavender
hues wildly outlined against the snowy
napery. - r.
Servants in gorgeous medieval livery
Of the de Rohans fitted .noiselessly about
sewing the numerous guests. Mu-
sicians from one. Of the ships in
/ the harbor discoursed sweet melodies
In an adjoining chamber. In short, moth
ing had been left undone to give honor
and magnifcence to the feast. The re-
sources Of the chateau had been lavishly
displayed and Versailles itself could
scarcely have afforded q more splendid
showing of luxurious elegance and wealth.
Around the board were grouped men
bearing the names of some of the noblest
families in France. At the head, OF
course, sat the Marquis de Chabot-Rohan
himself, old Jean-Renaud standing erect
behind his chair. On his right, in the
seat Of honor, was placed Admiral de Con-
fans, wllo in addition to his exalted ma
val rank, was also a, marshal of France.
Next to the marshal admiral was placed
the venerable and princely Archbishop OF
Vannes. Below him sat his highness, the
Prince de BeauHremont-Listen the
vice admiral Of the feet-unf fortunately
not destined to add to his renown in the
coming campaign.
After these, in order Of rank were
dazzled him. Never had he seen her Sc
the van division of the great French Ar
mada. Among them. near the foot of the
table, sat Denis de Vitre. He had been
duly exchanged since his arrival and pro-
NOTED to the rank Of capitaine de -fregate,
and recently appointed executive of LIE
These, still under the command Of the
Comte de Kersaint de Kerguelen.
GraftOn's glance took in this line with
one quick survey, and then turned to the
other side of the table. His gaze swept
past the marquis and rested upon the per-
son who sat at his left hand. This place
was occupied by the granddaughter Of the
house. He looked at her for second
then closed his eyes as If the sight had
dazled him. Never had he seen her Sc
beautiful, never had she presented SC
splendid and glorious q picture. Not in
his most rapturous lovers dream had he
imagined this.
She wore a dress OF pale violet satin,
with pipings Of white and lacings Of silver
over the pointed bodice. It was cut low,
OF course, after the fashion Of the day
and afforded a full view of her dazzling
neck and shoulders. The gaze Of other
men upon them seemed to Grafton prof
anation. ~
She was perfect blaze Of diamonds
The jewels Of centuries. known and sto-
ried in the de Rohan traditions, has been
" frfn 10.
and beautiful forms to present a At set
ting for her radiant beauty. A coronet
of gems flashed in the mazes Of her pow
dered hair. Diamond stars caught the ber-
tina Of matchless point lace which fell low
over her corsage; diamond clusters fast
ened the light white plume that curled
backward, like q sunbeam In a twilight,
over her hair, rising softly from her sweet
brow In the fashion Of the time.
Low at her corsage she wore a bunch
| of priceless orchids, whose purple violet
hues shot with touches Of Eold blended