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262 Lyons, and velvets from Genoa fit for the mantle of a Queen.

Other stands were covered with the "cunning devices" of the goldsmith and the jeweller. There were diamonds colourless with excess of light; rubies, rich as the sunset of their native clime; the purple amethyst; the pale, pure pearl; and ornaments worked in gold,—from the massive links, like precious fetters, to the light fragile chains of Venice. Nor were there only articles of personal decoration; but on some of the tables stood silver cups and lamps, crystal girandoles, and alabaster vases.

The surprise excited by this exhibition was indeed increased when the Cardinal came forward and said, that he trusted his guests would accept his offering, as whatever the gallery contained was to be distributed among them by means of a lottery. "It is fortune you will have to thank, not me."

A murmur of applause and gratitude arose from the crowd, which was soon interrupted by the preparations for distributing the tickets.

Four pages, clothed in white and crimson, brought in two massive salvers, whose delicate carving was from the unrivalled graver of Benvenuto Cellini. These were filled with small sealed billets, from which the company were to draw,