Her loving heart
ached for him, and her eyes spoke sweetest sympathy to the poor young
nobleman, reduced so low a fortune, yet so worthy of a better fate.
The tyrant was deep in thought, trying to decide how, much he might
venture to demand for the services of his troupe, and mentally
increasing the amount at every step, as new glories disclosed themselves
to his wondering eyes. The pedant was looking forward impatiently to
the copious draughts of generous wine he felt sure of enjoying in the
splendid chateau that was now in full view, and Leander, striving
to smooth his slightly dishevelled locks with a dainty little
tortoise-shell pocket-comb, was wondering, with a fluttering heart,
whether a fair marquise dwelt within those walls, and would gaze down
upon him from one of those windows as he alighted--indulging in high
hopes of the impression he should make upon her susceptible heart.
The Chateau de Bruyeres, which had been entirely rebuilt in the
preceding reign, was a noble structure, of immense size, three stories
in height, and enclosing a large interior court. It was built of red
brick, with elaborate, white stone facings. There were many pretty
balconies with sculptured stone railings, and large, clear panes of
glass--an unusual luxury at that epoch--in the numerous lofty windows,
through which the rich hangings within were visible; and a projecting
porch, reached by an imposing flight of broad stone steps, in the centre
of the facade, marked the main entrance.
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