“That’s a good thing!” cried the Duchess.
The Abbé Guitrel looked lovingly at the work of Rondonneau the younger.
“There is no doubt about it,” he said, “it is thirteenth century, and a better period could not have been selected. The thirteenth century is the golden age of this particular kind of work. At that epoch the ciborium was made in the beautiful shape of a pomegranate, which you recognize in this delicious example. The firm, strong foot is further enriched with enamels and inset with precious stones.”
“Mercy upon us! precious stones!” cried the Duchess.
“Figures of angels and prophets are finely chased on the lozenge-shaped panels, giving the most delightful effect to the whole.”
“That Bonmont was a rogue,” said Madame de Courtrai suddenly. “He was a thief; and his widow has not yet made restitution.”
“You see that she is beginning to do so, however,” said the Duke, pointing to the shining ciborium.
“What shall we do?” asked the Duchess.
“We cannot return her gift,” said the Duke.
“Why not?” asked his mother.