CHAPTER III.
DURBELLIERE.
The chateau of Durbelliere, the family seat of the Larochejacquelins, was situated in the very centre of the Bocage, between the small towns of Chatillon and Vihiers--in the province of Poitou, and about twelve leagues from St.Florent.
It was a large mansion, surrounded by extensive gardens, and a considerable domain.

There were few residences of more importance as betokening greater wealth in the province of Poitou; but it was neither magnificent nor picturesque.

The landlords of the country were not men of extensive property or expensive habits--they built no costly castles, and gave no sumptuous banquets; but they lived at home, on their incomes, and had always something to spare for the poorer of their neighbours.

Farming was their business--the chase their amusement--loyalty their strongest passion, and the prosperity of their tenantry their chief ambition.
The chateau of Durbelliere was a large square building, three stories high, with seven front windows to each of the upper stories, and three on each side of the large door on the ground floor.

Eight stone steps of great width led up to the front door; but between the top step and the door there was a square flagged area of considerable space; and on the right hand, and on the left, two large whitewashed lions reclined on brick and mortar pedestals.