Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1904-12-01
CHAPTER XIII.
NUMBERED-WEIG

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
gorgeous service Of rare and mas
sive plate. Ancient fiagons 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 Pompadour'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 wildly 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 unaone
to give honor and magnificence to the
feast The resources of the chateau
had been lavishly displayed, and YER
sailles itself could scarcely have af-
Sn1 oh 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 sat
his highness the Prince de Beauffre-
mont istenois, the vice admiral of the
Overwhelmingly not destined TO
add to his renown in the coming cam
paign-
After 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 Wire. He
had been duly exchanged since his ar
rival and promoted to the rank OF
a n Ha - rprpnflK
pointed executive officer 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 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 dazzled
him. Never had he seen her SO beau
tiful never had she presented so
splendid and glorious a picture. Not
In his most rapturous lovers dream
had he imagined this.
oiiV NoiC a vi pau NiciNN c"SAht
with pippings OF white and lacings
of silver over the pointed bodice. 1t
was cut low, Of course. after the fash
ion Of the day, and afforded a full view
OF her dazzling neck and shoulders
The gaze of other men upon them
seemed to Grafton PROCLAMATION.
She was a perfect blaze Of diamonds
The Jewels OF centuries, known and
stored In the de Rohan traditions. had
been wrought by cunning artincers in
to rare and beautiful forms to pre-
sent fit setting for her radiant
beauty. A coronet of gems flashed in
the mazes OF her powdered hair, Dia-
mond stars caught the bertha OF
matchless point lace which fell low
over her corsage; diamond clusters
fastened the little white plume that
curled backward. like 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 bunch
: of priceless orchids whose purple and
violet hues shot with touches OF gold
blended so exquisitely with the fab
ric OF her gown.
n Nrnf - g., lint -