So the accomplished coquette decided not to interfere with this
newly-born love affair, which was "all very well for a simple-minded
young girl like Isabelle," she said to herself, with a disdainful smile
and toss of the head.
Profound silence had fallen upon the party after the late excitement,
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.
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