Hence the good fortune and daring of the gallant Captain
Martiniere in running his frigate, the Fleur-de-Lis, through the
fleet of the enemy, enabling him among other things to replenish the
wardrobes of the ladies of Quebec with latest Parisian fashions,
made him immensely popular on this gala day. The kindness and
affability of the ladies extended without diminution of graciousness
to the little midshipmen even, whom the Captain conditioned to take
with him wherever he and his officers were invited. Captain
Martiniere was happy to see the lads enjoy a few cakes on shore
after the hard biscuit they had so long nibbled on shipboard. As
for himself, there was no end to the gracious smiles and thanks he
received from the fair ladies at Belmont.
At the great door of the Manor House, welcoming his guests as they
arrived, stood the Bourgeois Philibert, dressed as a gentleman of
the period, in attire rich but not ostentatious. His suit of dark
velvet harmonized well with his noble manner and bearing. But no
one for a moment could overlook the man in contemplating his dress.
Pages:
379
380
381
382
383
384
385
386
387
388
389
390
391
392
393
394
395
396
397
398
399
400
401
402
403