In the shadow of a spreading beech-tree were assembled the official personages: the vice-palatine, the county surveyor, the village pastor, the district physician, the justice of the peace, and the different attendants, county and state employees, belonging to these gentlemen.

The vice-palatine's assistant ought also to have been in this company, but he was busy giving the last instructions to the village beauties whose part it was to present the hamper of fruit and cheeses.
These gentlemen had wives and daughters; but _they_ had stationed themselves along the trench at the side of the road.

_They_ did not seek the shadow of a tree, because _they_ wished people to know that _they_ had parasols; for to own a parasol in those days was no small matter.
Preparations were making in the market-place for an ox-roast.

The fat young ox had been spitted, and the pile of fagots underneath him was ready for the torch.

Hard by, on a stout trestle, rested a barrel of wine.