la Comte
d'Aubepine, and thus began our career at court. We were in favour,
and my mother breathed freely.
CHAPTER XII.
CAVALIERS IN EXILE.
My safety and freedom being thus secure, I was asked, as mistress of
the house, whether I would continue the custom my mother had begun of
receiving on a Monday, chiefly for the sake of our exiled countryfolk
at Paris.
It had been left in doubt, till my fate and my wishes should be
known, whether the reunion should take place on the Monday or not;
but all lived so simply and within so short a distance that it was
very easy to make it known that Lady Walwyn and Madame de Bellaise
would receive as usual.
The rule in ordinary French society was then as now, to offer only
eau-sucree, sherbets, and light cakes as refreshments, but my mother
told me with some disgust that it was necessary to have something
more substantial on the buffet for these great Englishmen.
'Yes,' said Annora, 'I do believe it is often the only meal worth the
name that they get in a week, unless my brother invites them to
supper.'
On learning this Tryphena and I resolved that though pies were the
most substantial dish at present prepared, we would do our best
another time to set before them such a round of salt beef as would
rejoice their appetites; and oh! the trouble we had in accomplishing
it.
Meantime I submitted to be dressed as my mother wished, much indeed
as I am now, except that my hair was put into little curls, and I had
no cap.
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