A throng of people moved about the square, or passed in
and out of the great arched gateway of the Castle of St. Louis. A
bright shield, bearing the crown and fleur-de-lis, surmounted the
gate, and under it walked, with military pace, a couple of sentries,
their muskets and bayonets flashing out in the sun every time they
wheeled to return on their beat. Occasionally there was a ruffle of
drums: the whole guard turned out and presented arms, as some
officer of high rank, or ecclesiastical dignitary, passed through to
pay his respects to the Governor, or transact business at the vice-
regal court. Gentlemen on foot, with chapeaux and swords, carrying
a cloak on their shoulders; ladies in visiting dress; habitans and
their wives in unchanging costume; soldiers in uniform, and black-
gowned clergy, mingled in a moving picture of city life, which, had
not Amelie's thoughts been so preoccupied to-day, would have
afforded her great delight to look out upon.
The Lady de Tilly had rather wearied of the visit of the two ladies
of the city, Madame de Grandmaison and Madame Couillard, who had
bored her with all the current gossip of the day.
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