It was of the ancient china, now not to be found in even the houses of the great.
In all that kingdom but five perfect plates were known to exist, and two of these were at the palace.

They are treasured as heirlooms, and, if ever broken, can never be replaced.

The very fragments are rare; they are often set in panels, and highly prized.

The Baroness, glancing round her court, had noticed at last the young man sitting in the obscure corner behind the door; she remembered, not without some twinge of conscience, that his house was their ancient ally and sworn hearth-friend.
She knew, far better than the Baron, how deeply her daughter loved him; better, perhaps, even than Aurora herself.

She, too, naturally hoped a higher alliance for Aurora; yet she was a true woman, and her heart was stronger than her ambition.