Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1906-07-07
FILE NC. IFS.
ONH OF THE MYSTERIES OF PARIS, AND HOW
1T WAS SOLVED.
CHAPTER XXI.

aiers. who, II deprived OF the prestige
of immense wealth, would stin be
looked up 10 as remarkable mea. Why
can not the same be said Of all meu2
These two mansions. which were
thought marveis at the time they
were built were entirely distinct from
each other. but so planned that they
could be turned into one immense
house when so desired. When NM.
JRndidier gave parties, they always
had the movable partitions taken
away, and thus obtained the most
superb salon In Paris.
Princely magnifcence. lavish hos
pitRlity, and an elegant, graceful man
ner Of receiving their guests. made
thsse entertainments eagerly sought
after by the fashionable circles OF the
capital.
On Saturday. the Rue 81. Lazare
WINS blocked up by a file of carriages.
whose FAIR occupants were impatient
" awaiting their turn 10 drive up TO
the door. through which they could
catch the tantalizing strains of
waltz.
II was fancy ball; and nearly an
the costumes were superb. though
some were more or.~inal than elegant.
Among The latter was a clown. Ev-
erything was ia perfect keeping; the
insolent eve. coarse lips. high check
bones. and a beard 30 red that il
seemed 20 emit flames In the reAec-
tiou OF the dazzling lights.
lie wore top boots. dilapidsted
hat on the back OF his head. and
shirt-rufiie trimmed with torn lace.
vss banner. upon which were painted
six OF eight pictures. oOarsely de-
signed like those found in strolHng
fairs. in his right he waved
little switch. with which he would ev-
cry now and then strike his banner.
like quack retailing his wares.
Quite q crowd surrounded this
clown. hoping 20 hear some witty
speeches and puns; but he kept near
the door, and remained silent.
About half past ten hc quilted his
post
NJ. and Nine. Fauvel. followed 10y
their niece Madeleine. had just en-
tered
A compact group Immediately
formed near che door. During the
last ten days, the affair OF the Rue
de Provence had been the universal
topic OF conversation: aud friends and
enemies were alike glad 20 seize this
opportunity OF approaching the bank
er. some zoo tcudcr their sNmpa thY.
and others 60 otter equivocal condo
lence, which OF all things ia the most
eNasperating and Insulting
Belonging 20 the battalion Of grave.
elderly men, NJ. Fauvel had not as
stunned n fancy costume. but merely
threw over his shoulders q short silk
domino.
ON his arm leaned Mime. Fauvel. nee
Valentine de Ia Nerberie. bowling and
gracefully greeting her numerous
friends.
she had once been remarkably beau
tful. and tonight the effect OF the
soft wax lights, and her very becom-
ing dress. half restored her youthful
freshness and comeliness. No one
would supposed her to Toe IS years
old.
She wore a dress of the later years
of Louis the Fourteenth's reign. mag
nihcent and severe. of embroidered
satin and black velvet, without the
Rdornment OF single jewel.
She looked so graceful snd elegant
an this court dress and powdered hair.
that some ill-natured gossips said IL
was pity 20 see a real Ia Verberie.
30 well fitted 20 adorn a queens draw
ing room, as all her ancestors had
done before her. thrown away upon a
man whom she had only married for
his money
But Madeleine was the object of
universal admiration, SO dazzingly
beautiful and queenly Gid she appear
an her costume of maid OF honor,
which seemed 70 have been especially
Invented 10 set forth her beautiful
figure.
Her loneliness expanded in the per
fumed atmosphere and soft light OF
the ball room. Never had her hair
looked so black. her complexion so ex.
quisite, or her large eyes so brilliant
Having greeted the hosts. Made
leine took her aunt's arm, while NJ
Fanvel wandered through the room.
In search of the card table. the usun
refuge of bored men. when they are
enticed to the ball room by their
womankind.
The ball was now az its height.
Two orchestras, led by Strauss and
one of his lieutenants, filed the two
mansions with intoxica ting music
The motley crowd whirled in the
waltz until they presented euriou.
confusion of velyets, satins, laces and
diamonds. Almost every head and
bosom sparkled with jewels; the pal
est cheeks were rosy; heavy eyes nov
shone like stars; and the glistenins
shoulders of fair women were lik,
drifted snow In an April sun.
Forgotten by the crowd. the clown
had taken refuge in the embrasure o
a window. and seemed 10 be meditat
ing upon the gay scene before him
at the same time. he kept his eyes up
on a couple not far of.