CHAPTER XVIII
MADAME L'ETIQUETTE
The Oeil de Boeuf, the famous hall of the courtiers, had a magicalenchantment for Lecour. When he first rested his red-heeled shoes uponits polished floor, having entered in the train of the Prince de Poix,the courtiers were awaiting the passing of the King. There were manyfaces he had not seen at Fontainebleau, and even those familiar showedno sign that he was remembered here. The person who stood at his elbowwas an old officer, who had likewise entered with the Prince.
"I am come from the Province of Saintonge," said he, seeming glad tounburden his confidences, "and I am at Court to obtain a great honourfor my son, who deserves it--my son, sir, the Chevalier de la Violette,a very gallant youth. At Saintes, under de Grasse, he led the boardingof two of our frigates, one after the other, which had been taken by theenemy, and recovered them both. After the battle, he was taken up fordead, wounded in eleven places. The deck was literally washed with hisblood. I am positive the thing has only to be mentioned to the Kinghimself for him to recognise my son's claims and appoint himsub-lieutenant in the Bodyguard. I seek that for him because of thegreat advantages and favours attached to it. The Prince de Poix mustfirst be induced to recommend him, for the prize is in his company; butI have had the wit to secure in my favour the Princess's secretary, anAbbe to whom I have given forty good louis, and who is to have a hundredmore in case of success. The secretary, sir, is very important. What ashame how these low-born knaves rob us poor nobles, and make officersand canons. We must, perforce, 'monsieur' them, and salute them a leagueoff as if they were their masters. The secretary even of the wife isvery important. The secretary is more important than the mistressnowadays"; and the old officer laughed at his provincial witticism.
Lecour's eyes fell on a young guard, standing with sword drawn at thedoor of the King's antechamber. "How secure is the place of these!" hesighed to himself; "how insecure is mine!" A friendly voice sounded, andhe noticed Grancey stood before him. "Follow me before the Kingarrives," said he. "My service is on the Queen to-day." Germainfollowed. The air of mystery, characteristic of the courtiers, seemedconcentrated in their looks towards him as he passed. Their speculationspieced together his entry with a powerful Prince and his familiaritywith a favoured officer of the Bodyguard; and his pleasing figure wasjudged to give him the probability of advancement, to what height in theroyal favour no one could foretell. Those among whom he passed bowed lowto the mysterious fortune of the _debutant_.
The door through which they went led into the great Gallery of Mirrors,a much more vast and beautiful hall than the Oeil de Boeuf. It was themost attractive, in fact, in the Palace, for its range of long windowscommanded, from the centre of the eminence, the whole view of theterrace and _parterres_, which was reflected upon the opposite side bymirrors lining the walls. Every space, every door-panel here, even thelocks, was each an elaborate work of art. The ceiling was covered withthe great deeds of Louis Quatorze from the brush of le Brun. Antiquestatues and caskets of massive silver, mosaic tables of precious stones,and priceless cabinets, encrusted with the brass and tin-work executedby the celebrated Buhl, furnished the Gallery.
Quitting Lecour, de Grancey stepped to the centre, and gave the word--
"Gentlemen of the Bodyguard, to your posts of honour!" and thus takingcommand of the detachment, who were gathered in a corner of the hall, heentered on his duty of disposing and inspecting them. No sooner was thiscompleted than a rustling in the Oeil de Boeuf informed them that theKing was passing. Shortly afterwards a noise like thunder was heard, andthe throng of courtiers poured in from the Oeil de Boeuf, and filled thegreat Gallery of Mirrors. They had scarcely arranged themselves whenGermain heard a cry of "The Queen!" and beheld the radiant MarieAntoinette advancing. The beautiful mistress of France passed along instate with her suite, bestowing on one and another the attention sheconsidered due, to some a smile, to two or three a curtsey, to manymerely a glance. Noticing the humble worship in Germain's eyes, his faceand the exploit at Fontainebleau came back to her. She stopped,therefore, as was sometimes her wont, and said graciously, "Monsieur, wedo not forget brave men," passing onward again. Instantly the Courtnoticed the event, and exalted him in its esteem accordingly. But beforehe could enjoy it, the entire scene was driven temporarily from histhoughts and became a-whirl about another figure of which in the passingtrain he became suddenly aware. It was the cold, impassive, scrutinisingface of an aged dame of such overweening pride and keenness that heseemed to feel himself pierced through by her gaze. He had heard of theseverity of the Marechale de Noailles--"Madame l'Etiquette"--Cyrene'spatroness, and knew intuitively that this was she. The danger of hissituation became instantaneously real. The train, accustomed toconfusion, continued their advance. Only then did he notice that incharge of this old dragon walked Cyrene, her look fixed brightly uponhis face.