صفحة 309 من 788

They had supper in the old castle. The obstinate Protazy, not

heeding the definite orders of the Judge, had again stormed the

castle in the absence of the people of higher station, and, as he

said, had foreclosed the mortgage on it. The guests entered in

order and stood about the table. The Chamberlain took his place

at the head; this honour befitted him from his age and his

office; advancing to it he bowed to the ladies, the old men, and

the young men. The Collector of Alms was not at the table; the

Chamberlain's wife occupied the place of the Bernardine, on her

husband's right. The Judge, when he had stationed the guests as

was fitting, pronounced a Latin grace. Brandy was passed to the

gentlemen; thereupon all sat down, and silently and with relish

they ate the cold salad of beet leaves whitened with cream.