As to Beelzebub, though
he had not yet made his appearance, it must not be attributed to a want
of affection on his part, but rather to an excess of timidity. The poor
old cat had been so unsettled and alarmed at the invasion of the quiet
chateau by an army of noisy workmen, and all the confusion and changes
that had followed, that he had fled from his usual haunts, and taken up
his abode in a remote attic; where he lay in concealment, impatiently
waiting for darkness to come, so that he might venture out to pay his
respects to his beloved master.
The baron, after petting Bayard and Miraut until they were in ecstasies
of delight, chose from among the horses a beautiful, spirited chestnut
for himself, the duke selected a Spanish jennet, with proudly arched
neck and flowing mane, which was worthy to carry an Infanta, and an
exquisite white palfrey, whose skin shone like satin, was brought out
for the baronne. In a few moments Isabelle came down, attired in a
superb riding habit, which consisted of a dark blue velvet basque,
richly braided with silver, over a long, ample skirt of silver-gray
satin, and her broad hat of white felt, like a cavalier's, was trimmed
with a floating, dark blue feather. Her beautiful hair was confined in
the most coquettish little blue and silver net, and as she came forward,
radiant with smiles, she was a vision of loveliness, that drew forth
fervent exclamations of delight from her two devoted and adoring
knights.
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