here could be heard on the road the trampling of
horses, the clanking of swords, the voices of approaching men, and a
gallant cavalcade wheeled at length into the grounds, announcing that
the king was close at hand. A few minutes of anxious expectation passed,
and then the king, attended by a large group of courtiers, came
sweeping grandly forward, while at the same moment a gleaming display of
fireworks, at the end of the avenue, blazed off in fiery greeting. As
the coruscating lights faded out Conde met the king in his coach, which
he invited him to enter, and off they drove to the chateau, followed by
a shining swarm of grand dames and great lords who had gathered to this
fete from all parts of France.

Within the chateau as much had been done as without to render honor to
the occasion. Hundreds of retainers lined chamber and hall in splendid
attire, their only duty being to add life and richness to the scene. The
rooms were luxuriously furnished, the banqueting hall was a scene for a
painter, and the banquet a triumph of the art of the cuisine, for was it
not prepared by the genius of Vatel, the great Vatel, the most famous of
cooks ministering to the most showy of monarchs!

All went well; the king feasted on delicacies which were a triumph of
art; Louis was satisfied; Vatel triumphed; so far the fete was a
success. In the evening the king played at piquet, the cavaliers and
ladies promenaded through the splendidly-furnished and richly-lighted
saloons, some cracked jokes on sofas, some made love in alcoves, still
all went well.

For the next day the programme included a grand promenade _a la mode de
Versailles_, a collation in the park, under great trees laden with the
freshest verdure of spring, a stag-hunt by moonlight, a brilliant
display of fireworks, then a supper in the banqueting hall of the
chateau. And still all went well. At least all thought so but Vatel; but
as for that prince of cooks, he was in despair. A frightful disaster had
occurred. After the days and nights of anxiety and care in preparing for
this grand occasion, for a failure now to take place, it was to him
unpardonable, unsupportable.

Tidings of his distress were brought to Conde. The generous prince
sought his room to console him.

"Vatel," said he, "what is this I hear? The king's supper was superb."

"Monseigneur," said Vatel, tears in his eyes. "The _roti_ was wanting at
two tables."

"Not at all," replied the prince. "You surpa