Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1906-08-18

anu YET the save 10 every pun OF wind
for wandering draft had set him shiv-
ering and shaking NJ. de st. Quentin,
the noble barber. flung a purple dress
ing gown over the royal shoulders and
placed long. many curled court wig
upon his head. while Bontems drew on
bis red stockings and laid before him
his slippers CT embroidered velvet. The
monarch thrust his feet into them. tied
bis dressing gown and passed out TO
the fireplace. where be settled himself
down in his easy chair, holding cut his
thin, delicate hands toward the blazing
logs, while the others stood round in
a semicircle. waiting for the grand
lever which was 10 follow.
NJ. de ST Quentin. is this not our
shaving morning." said the king.
yes, sire: all iE ready"
Then why not proceed7 IL is three
minutes after the accustomed time. To
work. sir; and you, Bontems, give
word for the grand lever"
1t was Obvious that the king was not
In a very good humor that morning.
he darted little quick questioning
glanees at his brother aud at bis sons,
may have trembled upon his lips was
efectually stihed by De St Quentin's
ministrations. With the nOnchalance
born OF long custom. the official COW
cred the royal chin with soap. drew
the razor swiftly round * and sponged
over the surface with spirits of wine.
A Dobleman then helped 10 draw on the
kings black velvet haut-de-chausses a
second assisted in arranging them.
while third drew the nightgown over
the shoulders and handed the royal
shirt. which had been warming before
the Gre. His diamond buckled shoes.
his CATERS and his scarlet inner vest
were successfully fastened by noble
couruers. each keenly jealous OF bis
own privilege, and over the vest was
placed the blue ribbon with the cross
Of the Holy Ghost IN diamonds, and
that OF ST. Louis tied with red. The
black undercoat was drawn on. the
cravat Of rich lace adjusted. the loose
overcoat secured. two handkerchiefs OF
costly point carried forward upon an
enameled saucer and thrust by sepa-
rate officials into each side pocket the
silver and ebony cane laid 10 hand. and
the monarch was ready for the labors
OF the day.
During the half hour or so which had
been occupied IN this manner there
had been constant opening aud clos
ing OF the chamber door. and a mutter-
ing Of names from the captain OF the
guard 10 the attendant in charge. and
from the attendant In charge 10 the
first gentleman II the chamber. ending
always In the admission OF some new
visitor Here. close by the king was
the harsh but energetic Louyois. all
powerful now since the death OF his
rival Colbert. discussing a question OF
military organization with two officers.
the one a tall and stately soldier. the
other a strange little figure. understood
and misshapsn. but bearing the insig-
MA or a marshal Of France. and own.
Ing name which was OF evil omen
over the Dutch frontier. for Luxen
bourg was looked upon already as the
successor OF Condo. even as his com
panion Nauban was OF Turenne Re
side them a small white haired clerical
with kindly face. Pere In Chaise
COMPRESSOR 10 the king. was whispering
his views upon Jausenlsm 70 the portly
Bossuet the eloquent bishop OF Meaux.
Close 10 the door Racine. with his hand.
some face wreathed ia smiles. was
chatting with the poet Bolleau and the
architect Mansard. the three laughing
and testing with the freedom which
was natural 10 the favorite servants OF
the king
He becomes harder aud harder 10
amuse." said Racine. Il am 10 be NJ
Nine. De Malntenon's room at 10
see whether IA page or two OF the Pie
DIRE may not work a change. Madame
Is a wonderful woman. She has brains.
she has heart. she has tact-she Is ad-
mirable"
And yet che has one gift too many
age"
Pooh! What matter her years when
she can carry them like thirtyg What
an eye. what an arm And. besides.
my friends. be is not himself a boy
any longer"
Very true. but a young man con
suits his eye and an older man his eur
over forty. Il is the clever tongue
which wins. under II. the pretty face "
An. you rascal, Then YOU have
made up your mind that five aud forty
years with tact will hold the field
against nine and thirty with beauty
Well, when your lady has won she will
| doubtless remember who were the first
TO pay court TO her"
But / think you are wrong. Racine"
We'll. what thenE"
Then it may be n little serious for
you"
, And whyy'
The Marqulse dc Montespan has a
memory"
Her influence may soon be nothing
more. Mantenon is the cleverest wo-
man in France"
"Pshaw, Racine. you know our dear
master we'll or you should. for you seem
10 have been at his elbow since the
days OF the Fronde. Is he a man,
80 l..