endence of judgment and a native correctness of taste natural to a
man whose life had been spent in freedom amid the noblest works of
nature. Grand as were the mighty fountains and the artificial cascades,
they had no overwhelming effect on one who had travelled up from Erie to
Ontario, and had seen the Niagara River hurl itself over its precipice,
nor were the long level swards so very large to eyes which had rested
upon the great plains of the Dakotas. The building itself, however, its
extent, its height, and the beauty of its stone, filled him with
astonishment.

"I must bring Ephraim Savage here," he kept repeating. "He Would never
believe else that there was one house in the world which would weigh
more than all Boston and New York put together."

De Catinat had arranged that the American should remain with his friend
Major de Brissac, as the time had come round for his own second turn of
guard. He had hardly stationed himself in the corridor when he was
astonished to see the King, without escort or attendants, walking
swiftly down the passage. His delicate face was disfigured with anger,
and his mouth was set grimly, like that of a man who had taken a
momentous resolution.

"Officer of the guard," said he shortly.

"Yes, sire."

"What! You again, Captain de Catinat? You have not been on duty since
morning?"

"No, sire. It is my second guard."

"Very good. I wish your assistance."

"I am at your command, sire."

"Is there a subaltern here?"

"Lieutenant de la Tremouille is at the side guard."

"Very well. You will place him in command."

"Yes, sire."

"You will yourself go to Monsieur de Vivonne. You know his apartments?"

"Yes, sire."

"If he is not there, you must go and seek him. Wherever he is, you must
find him within the hour."

"Yes, sire."

"You will give him an order from me. At six o'clock he is to be in his
carriage at the east gate of the palace. His sister, Madame de
Montespan, will await him there, and he is charged by me to drive her to
the Chateau of Petit Bourg. You will tell him that he is answerable to
me for her arrival there."

"Yes, sire." De Catinat raised his sword in salute, and started upon his
mission.

The king passed on down the corridor, and opened a door which led him
into a magnificent ante-room, all one blaze of mirrors and gold,
furnished to a marvel with the most delicate ebony and silver suite, on
a deep red carpet of Aleppo, as soft and y