Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1904-12-02
CHAPTER XIII.

NUMBERED-WEIG EIGHED-DIVIDED.
TH HE great Gothic apartment
was ablaze with light from
hundreds of wax candles in
sconces set between the
banners on the wall, or In the massive
candelabra standing upon the long
table which was glistening with a
gorgeous service of rare and mas
sive plate. Ancient fagons Of curl
Gus 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-Madame de Pompf dour's one
good gift to humanity-were ranged
upon the board. Wine Of the rarest
vintage, fabulously 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 Conservatives of the
chateau, their odd shapes and law
ender hues vividly outlined against
the snowy napery.
Servants in the gorgeous medieval
livery Of the de Rohans fitted noise
lessly about serving the numerous
guests. Musicians from one of the
ships in the harbor discoursed sweet
melodies in an adjoining chamber. In
short, nothing had been left unuone
to give honor and magnifcence to the
feast. The resources Of the chateau
had been lavishly displayed. and Ver-
sailles itself could scarcely have af-
forded a 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, who, in addition to his exalted
naval rank, was also a marshal OF
France. Next to the marshal-admiral
was placed the venerable and princely
archbishop of Vannes. Below him sal
his highness the Prince de Beauffre-
mont-Listenois. the vice admiral of the
tieet--unfurtunately not destined tc
add to his renown in the coming cam.
paign.
Alter these in order Of rank were
ranged the chief officers and captains
of the van division of the great French
Armada. Among them, near the foot
of the table, sat Denis de Vitre. He
had been duly exchanged since his ar
rival and promoted to the rank OF
capitaine-de-fregat and recently ap-
pointed executive officer Of LIE Thesee
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 person who sat at his left
hand. This place was occupied by the
granddaughter Of the house. He
looked at her for a second. then closed
his eyes as II the sight had dazzleo
him. Never had he seen her so beau
tiful, never had she presented sc
splendid and glorious picture. MOI
in his most rapturous lovers dream
had he imagined L is.
She wore dress pale violet satin
with pippings Of hite and laclngs
of silver over the ointed bodice. II
was cut low, Of coui sc, after the fash
lon of the day, and afforded full view
of her dazzling neck and shoulders
The gaze of other men upon them
seemed to Grafton a proclamation.
She was perfect blaze Of diamonds
The jewels Of centuries, known and
storied in the de Ro an traditions, had
been wrought by GU. ming artifcers in
to rare and beautiful forms to pre-
sent fit setting for her radiant
, beauty. A coronet Of gem flashed in
: omazes of her powdered hair. Dia-
natcb stars caught the bertha OF
nvor bS point lace which fell low
Fastened trsage; diamond clusters
title white plume that