THE LAST CHASSE OF CHAKLES X. 1G5 



that you oppose all participation in the opinions of the 

 Prince. Is it not so, Girardln T 



" Certainly on that point, and on many others, sire." 



" Oh, I am aware of it." 



" You shall explain your theories to me, Girardin. I 

 shall be most happy to hear them, and will see if I can 

 apply them in any way to present exigencies. Perhaps we 

 may speak more on this subject at Rambouillet." 



" Does the king intend making a long chasse to-day T 

 asked M. le Compte de Girardin, after a moment's silence, 

 and who could not distract his imagination from the sombre 

 auguries that the publication of the ordonnances had im- 

 printed on his mind. 



" Why, that depends entirely on circumstances. The day 

 is fine, and everything seems favourable to our sport. We 

 shall see." 



The royal carriage stopped they had arrived at Cog- 

 meres, the second stage. 



Fresh horses replaced those they had taken at St. Cyr; 

 those that were detached were smoking as if in the midst 

 of winter. The sweat poured from their bodies, and the 

 white froth covered their bits and harness. The sun was at 

 its meridian height during the whole of the journey. It was 

 only two hours since the king had started, and they were now 

 near their destination. 



A little beyond Cognieres a road branches off to Ham- 

 bouillet. It leads to the north-east of the forest. The 

 house, which is situated at the summit of the triangle, of 

 which these two roads form the sides, is named the Maison 

 Blanche. When the rendezvous de la chasse was fixed in the 

 forest of St. Leger, adjoining that of Rambouillet, it was 

 always by this route that the king arrived. The country is 

 perfectly flat. Plains here and there surrounded by woods, 

 and vast horizons in the distance. The hunter feels his heart 



