extensively used for hangings in the churches of France
and Italy, and was also much seen at court. Robes of blue velvet
marvelously embroidered in gold, which evidently had been worn by church
dignitaries, have been found in an old French church, and are carefully
preserved as curiosities, since all the velvet of that period was either
black or of a crimson color. Now as lace-making was one of the arts of
the time, and as much wonderful hand-made lace was used on vestments and
altar-cloths, you can readily understand how velvet was a rare means of
showing it off, and became a favorite material for church use."

He paused thoughtfully.

"And not only did it rise in favor in the churches, but also kings,
queens, and noblemen purchased all of it they could afford, to adorn
themselves. It was far more expensive than silk, which at that early
date was very costly. In fact it is only since present day manufacture
has mastered the art of making velvet less expensively that its price
has lessened. Although some of the rare patterns and some of the
silkiest qualities are still made on hand-looms, the greater part of it
is now made by machinery. The coronation robes for the King and Queen of
England, for example, are always made on hand-looms."

"Is velvet hard to make, Father?" inquired Pierre.

"Yes. Good velvet weavers are few. You see when our king Louis XIV of
France drove the Huguenots, who were famous silk and velvet weavers,
out of the country, they took with them the trades of silk and velvet
making. Some carried the art to England; some to Germany. The German
towns of Elberfeld and Krefeld now make a large part of the velvet used
by the world--or did before the war. Krefeld alone has one hundred and
twenty velvet factories, besides many others devoted to dyeing the silk
from which the velvet is made. The German Government gives to those who
will follow the industry free instruction in the chemistry of dyes, in
designing, and in other branches furthering the manufacture. As a
consequence the making of velvet has increased there until now many
varieties formerly only obtainable in other countries are now woven in
Germany."

"But some of our own French cities make velvet, too, Father," protested
Marie.

"Ah, surely, dear child! The velvet from Lyons has long been famous.
Lyons and Genoa, many persons say, make the most beautiful velvets there
are to be had. Some are of exquisite design, having great flowers,
scrol