And the sovereign, delighted to look at buildings, followed the Dauphiness who was delighted, also, to show her house. They passed Mdlle. de Taverney under the eaves of the little kitchen yard.
“This is my reader’s room,” remarked the Dauphiness. “I will show you it as a sample of how my ladies will fare.”
It was a suite of anteroom and two parlors. The furniture was placed; books, a harpsichord, and particularly a bunch of flowers in a Japanese Vase, attracted the King’s attention.
“What nice flowers! how can you talk of changing your garden? who the mischief supplies your ladies with such beauties? do they save any for the mistress?”
“Who is the gardener here so sweet upon Mdlle. de Taverney?”
“I do not know—Dr. Jussieu found me somebody.”
The King looked round with a curious eye, and elsewhere, before departing. The Dauphin was still taking the sun.
CHAPTER IX.
THE HUNT.
A LONG rank of carriages filled the Forest at Marly where the King was carrying on what was called an afternoon hunt. The Master of the Buckhounds had deer so selected that he could let the one out which would run before the hounds just as long as suited the sovereign.