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Rh the royal arms of France. Beside stood seneschals, the appointed witnesses of the ensuing games. At the other extremity were the gardens, now in the full beauty of summer foliage; and from Francesca's seat being at the extremity, and the gallery being a little curved, she commanded a panoramic sweep of the whole scene.

Windows, balconies were alike crowded; but the most striking group was on the terrace in the centre. Seated in an arm-chair, covered with cloth of gold, was the Queen; her robe was of black velvet, edged with the richest sable; and the diadem at the back of her head confined the folds of a long black Cyprus veil. Her mourning now was but a ceremonious habit; nay, some said it was persevered in for the contrast, so becoming, of the dark garment with her still dazzlingly fair skin and bright hair—yet it caught the eye mournfully; those sombre robes were the only indications that life had one loss, one sorrow, or one change. Madame de Mercœur and her sister stood on either side; and, leaning on the back of the chair, was the Cardinal, looking both inattentive and weary, and taking no part in the conversation going on around him. Behind was a brilliant group of ladies and nobles.

Suddenly a flourish of trumpets arose upon the