A row of yews, skilfully trimmed into
pyramids, balls, and various fanciful shapes, and placed at regular
distances on each side of the grand avenue, extended from the entrance
gates to the chateau, their sombre hue contrasting well with the
brighter green of the foliage behind them. Everything was in the most
perfect order; not a leaf out of place, nor a particle of dust to be
seen anywhere, as if the gardeners had just freshly washed and trimmed
every tree, shrub, and plant under their care.
All this magnificence astonished and delighted the poor comedians, who
rarely gained admission to such an abode as this. Serafina, affecting
indifference, but noting everything carefully from under her lowered
eye-lashes, promised herself to supplant the soubrette in the marquis's
favour, feeling that this great seignior was her own legitimate prey,
and ought to have devoted himself to her in the first place, instead of
weakly yielding to the vulgar blandishments of the pretty waiting-maid,
as he should no longer be permitted to do--if she had any power.
Meanwhile the soubrette, feeling sure of her conquest, had given herself
up to castle-building with all the fervour Of her ardent southern
nature. Isabelle, who was not preoccupied by any ambitious projects,
turned her head now and then to glance and smile tenderly at de
Sigognac, who was sitting in the chariot behind her and who she knew
must be feeling acutely the painful contrast between this splendid
estate and his own desolate, half-ruined chateau.
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