itement,
and some of them were even growing sleepy again, when several hours
later the driver suddenly called out, "There is the Chateau de
Bruyeres."

CHAPTER V. AT THE CHATEAU DE BRUYERES

The extensive domain of the Marquis de Bruyeres was situated just
upon the edge of the Landes, and consisted mostly of productive,
highly-cultivated land--the barren sand reaching only to the boundary
wall of the great park that surrounded the chateau. An air of prosperity
pervaded the entire estate, in pleasing contrast with the desolate
region of country close at hand. Outside the park wall was a broad, deep
ditch, filled with clear water and spanned by a handsome stone bridge,
wide enough for two carriages abreast, which led to the grand entrance
gates. These were of wrought iron, and quite a marvel of delicate
workmanship and beauty. There was a good deal of gilding about them, and
the lofty apex bore a marquis's crown above a shield supported by
two naked savages, upon which the de Bruyeres arms were richly
emblazoned--it was an entrance worthy of a royal demesne. When our party
paused before it, in the course of the morning, a servant in a rich,
showy livery was slowly opening the folding leaves of the magnificent
gates, so as to admit them into the park. The very oxen hesitated ere
they took their slow way through it, as if dazzled by so much splendour,
and ashamed of their own homeliness--the honest brutes little suspecting
that the wealthy nobleman's pomp and glitter are derived from the
industry of the lowly tillers of the soil. It certainly would seem as
if only fine carriages and prancing horses should be permitted to pass
through such a portal as this, but the chariot of Thespis, no matter how
humble, is privileged, and not only enters, but is welcome everywhere.

A broad avenue led from the bridge to the chateau, passing by carefully
clipped shrubbery, whence marble statues peeped out here and there, and
a beautiful garden, with flower-beds ingeniously laid out in geometrical
patterns, and brilliant with well contrasted colours. The narrow walks
among them were bordered with box, and strewn with fine sand of various
tints, and several little fountains threw up their sparkling jets among
the flowers. In the centre of the garden was a magnificent fountain,
with a large, oblong, marble basin, and a Triton, on a high pedestal,
pouring water from a shell. A row of yews, skilfully trimmed into
pyramids, balls, and var