Page:Ten Years Later.djvu/288

276 on his shoulders, the freshness of his complexion was enhanced by the brilliancy of his beautiful blue eyes, which softly kindled all hearts; a mouth with tempting lips, which deigned to open in smiles. Such was the prince of the period, who had that evening been justly named "The King of all the Loves." There was something in his carriage which resembled the buoyant movements of an immortal, and he did not dance so much as seem to soar along. His entrance had produced, therefore, the most brilliant effect. Suddenly the Comte de St. Aignan was observed endeavoring to approach either the king or madame.

The princess — who was clothed in a long dress, diaphanous and light as the finest network tissue from the hands of the skillful Mechlin workers, her knee occasionally revealed beneath the folds of the tunic, and her little feet incased in silken shoes — advanced radiant with beauty, accompanied by her cortège of Bacchantes, and had already reached the spot which had been assigned to her in the dance. The applause continued so long that the comte had ample leisure to join the king.

"What is the matter, St. Aignan?" said Spring.

"Nothing whatever," replied the courtier, as pale as death; "but your majesty has not thought of the Fruits."

"Yes; it is suppressed."

"Far from it, sire; your majesty having given no directions about it, the musicians have retained it."

"How excessively annoying!" said the king. "This figure cannot be performed, since Monsieur de Guiche is absent. It must be suppressed."

"Oh, sire, a quarter of an hour's music without any dancing will produce an effect so chilling as to ruin the success of the ballet."

"But, comte, since "

"Oh, sire, that is not the greatest misfortune; for, after all, the orchestra could still just as well cut it out, if it were necessary; but "

"But what?"

"Why, Monsieur de Guiche is here."

"Here?" replied the king, frowning, "here? Are you sure?"

"Yes, sire; and ready-dressed for the ballet."

The king felt himself color deeply, and said:

"You are probably mistaken."

"So little is that the case, sire, that if your majesty will look to the right you will see that the comte is waiting."