Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1904-03-04


that these affairs OF state might give
to him the means to indulge fancies
Of his own. Alike shrewd and easy,
alike naughty and sensuous, here 1t
was that Philippe held his real court.
These young gentlemen Of France,
these roues who have come to meet
Philippe at his little supper-how DIFF
ferent from the same beings under the
rule Of the Grand Monarque. Their
coats are no longer dark In hue Their
silks and velvets have blossomed out,
even as Paris has blossomed since the
death Of Louis the Grand. Jabots Of
lace are shown in full abundance, and
30 far from the adjustment of Jewels
from their garb, rubies, sapphires, dia-
monds sparkle everywhere. from the
clasp Of the high ruffles of the neck
to the buckles OF the red-heeled shoes.
Powder sparkles on the head coverings
of these new gallants Of France. They
step daintily. yet not ungracefully. in
to this brilliantly-lighted room. these
creatures, gracious and resplendent,
sparkling, painted, ephemeral. not un-
suited to the place and hour.
For the ladies, witness the attire,
for instance, Of that Madame de Ten
Gin, the wonder Of the wits OF Paris.
A full blue costume, with pannier more
than five yards In circumference, UNI
der skirt Of silver gauze, trimmed
with golden gauze and pink Grape, and
train lying six yards upon the floor,
showing silver embroideries with white
roses. The sleeves are half-draped, as
is the skirt. and each caught up with
diamonds, showing folds lying above
and below the silk underneath. Mad
anne wears necklace of rubies and Of
diamonds, and above the pannier belt
Of diamonds and rubies.
The guests, as they advanced into the
room. paused as they met, coming from
the head Of the apartment, the impos-
ing figure of their host. Philippe of
Orleans, his powdered wig drawn close
ly into half-bag at the nape OF the
neck, his full eye shining with merri-
ment and good nature. his soft, yet not
unmanly figure appearing to good adj
vantage in his well-chosen garments,
advances with certain dignity to meet
his guests.
Welcome, my very dear ladies'" ex-
claimed Philippe. advancing to the
head of the board and at once setting
all at ease, If any there needed such
encouragement, by the grace and good
feeling of his air. you do me much
honor, ladies. II be not careful, the
fair Adrienne will become jealous, since
l fear you have deserted the pomp Of
the play full early for the table Of
Philippe. Ladies, as you know, I am
your devoted slave. Myself and the
Vicomte de Bechamel have labored,
seriously labored, for your welfare this
day. promise you something Of the
results Of those painstaking efforts,
which we both hope will not disap-
point you. Meantime, that the mo-
ments may not lag, let me recommend,
il am allowed, this new vintage Of
Al, which Bechamel advises me we
have never yet surpassed In all our
efforts. Madame de Tencin, let me
beg Of you to be seated close to my
arm. Not upon this side, Mademoiselie
Haidee, II you please, for have been
wheedled into promising that station
this night to another. Who is 1t to be,
my dear Caylus? All. that is my se-
cret! Presently we shall see. Have
not promised you an occasion this
evening? And did Philippe ever fail
in his endeavors to please? AT least,
did he ever cease to strive to please
his angels? Now, my children. accept
the blessing Of your father Philippe,
your friend, who. though years may
multiply upon him. retains In his
heart, none the less. for each and all Of
you, those sentiments Of passion and
Of admiration which constitute for him
his dearest memories! Ladies, pray
you be seated. / pray you larry not
too long before proving the judgment
of Bechamel in regard to this new
vintage Of Al"
"Ah, your grace" exclaimed De Ten
Gin, "were 1t not Philippe of Orleans,
we women might not be apt to sit in
peace together. Yet, as we have earlier
proved your hospitality. we may per.
haps not scruple to continue"
Philippe smiled blandly. The re-
mark was not ill-ftted to the actual
case. Though the regent counted his
sweethearts by scores, he dismissed the
one with the same air, of interest as he
welcomed the other, and indeed ended
by retaining all as his friends.
Madame de Tencin, In admiration
there can be no degrees" said he. "In
love there can be no rank"
"Why, then. do you place as your
chief guest this other, this unknown"
pouted Mademoiselle Aisse, as she
seated herself, turning upon her host
the radiance Of her large, darl, eyes.
as this stranger, then. 50 passing
fair?" 3
mot SO fair Is you, my lovely
Haidee, that may swear. aud safely,
since she is not yet present. Yet an.
nounce to you that she is tres interes.
sante, my unknown queen Of beauty,
my belle savage from America. But
see! Here she comes. IT'S time tor
her to appear. and not keep our guests
in waiting" -. *. "a,
There sounded at the back Of the
great hall the tinkle Of little bell OF
some soft metal. It approached. and
with It the sweeping stir Of heavy
U..sna !. : n IS - y. -