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in the window of a fruiterer of Covent Garden.'
'Ah! it is incredible what uneducated people will do,' said Prevost. 'The
dressing of the tables was a department of itself in the Imperial
kitchen.'
'It demands an artist of a high calibre,' said Leander. 'I know only one
man who realises my idea, and he is at St. Petersburg. You do not know
Anastase? There is a man! But the Emperor has him secure. He can
scarcely complain, however, since he is decorated, and has the rank of
full colonel.'
'Ah!' said Prevost, mournfully, 'there is no recognition of genius in this
country. What think you of Vanesse, my child? He has had a regular
education.'
'In a bad school: as a pis aller one might put up with him. But his
eternal tiers of bonbons! As if they were ranged for a supper of the
Carnival, and my guests were going to pelt each other! No, I could not
stand Vanesse, papa.'
'The dressing of the table: 'tis a rare talent,' said Prevost, mournfully,
'and always was. In the Imperial kitchen------'
'Papa,' said Eugenie, opening the door, and putting in her head, 'here is

Monsieur Vanillette just come from Brussels. He has brought you a
basket of truffles from Ardennes. I told him you were on business, but
to-night, if you be at home, he could come.'
'Vanillette!' exclaimed Prevost, starting in his chair, 'our little Vanillette!
There is your man, Le-ander. He was my first pupil, as you were my
last, my child. Bring up our little Vanillette, Eugenie. He is in the
household of King Leopold, and his forte is dressing the table!'
CHAPTER II.
The House of Bellamont
THE Duke of Bellamont was a personage who, from his rank, his blood,
and his wealth, might almost be placed at the head of the English
nobility. Although the grandson of a mere country gentleman, his
fortunate ancestor, in the decline of the last century, had captivated the
heiress of the Montacutes, Dukes of Bellamont, a celebrated race of the
times of the Plantagenets. The bridegroom, at the moment of his
marriage, had adopted the illustrious name of his young and beautiful
wife. Mr. Montacute was by nature a man of energy and of an
enterprising spirit. His vast and early success rapidly developed his
native powers. With the castles and domains and boroughs of the
Bellamonts, he resolved also to acquire their ancient baronies and their
modern coronets. The times were favourable to his projects, though
they might require the devotion of a life. He married amid the disasters
of the American war. The king and his minister appreciated the
independent support afforded them by Mr. Montacute, who represented
his county, and who commanded five votes in the House besides his
own. He was one of the chief pillars of their cause; but he was not only
independent, he was conscientious and had scruples. Saratoga
staggered him. The defection of the Montacute votes, at this moment,
would have at once terminated the struggle between England and her
colonies. A fresh illustration of the advantages of our parliamentary
constitution! The independent Mr. Montacute, however, stood by his
sovereign; his five votes continued to cheer the noble lord in the blue
ribbon, and their master took his seat and the oaths in the House of

Lords, as Earl of Bellamont and Viscount Montacute. This might be
considered sufficiently well for one generation; but the silver spoon
which some fairy had placed in the cradle of the Earl of Bellamont was
of colossal proportions. The French Revolution succeeded the
American war, and was occasioned by it. It was but just, therefore, that
it also should bring its huge quota to the elevation of the man whom a
colonial revolt had made an earl. Amid the panic of Jacobinism, the
declamations of the friends of the people, the sovereign having no
longer Hanover for a refuge, and the prime minister examined as a
witness in favour of the very persons whom he was trying for high
treason, the Earl of Bellamont made a calm visit to Downing Street,
and requested the revival of all the honours of the ancient Earls and
Dukes of Bellamont in his own person. Mr. Pitt, who was far from
favourable to the exclusive character which distinguished the English
peerage in the last century, was himself not disinclined to accede to the
gentle request of his powerful supporter; but the king was less flexible.
His Majesty, indeed, was on principle not opposed to the revival of
titles in families to whom the domains without the honours of the old
nobility had descended; and he recognised the claim of the present
Earls of Bellamont eventually to regain the strawberry leaf which had
adorned the coronet of the father of the