The finest cavaliers gathered around her and paid her their addresses—all smiled on her, and paid homage to her. Her joy was full.
But see the finest gentleman of all approach—the no longer melancholy, the joyful and superb knight of the ribbon-decorated horse!
Jacques approached with the air of a captive prince—submissive, yet proud. He smiled.
"Beautiful queen of May," he said, trailing his plumed hat upon the floor, "behold your slave. Never did shepherd in the vales of Arcady pay truer homage to his Daphne's charms than I do to those of our hostess!"
This was considered a pretty speech, and Belle-bouche was about to reply with a smile, when little Martha Wayles, who was present in a pink-gauze dress and lace, cried:
"Oh, my goodness! just look there!"
"What is it?" asked the company.
"There, through the window," said little Martha, blushing at the attention she excited.
"What?"
"That horse with ribbons!"