CHAPTER V.AT THE CHATEAU DE BRUYERES.
The extensive domain of the Marquis de Bruyeres was situated just upon the edge of the Landes, and consisted mostly of productive, highly-cultivated land--the barren sand reaching only to the boundary wall of the great park that surrounded the chateau.

An air of prosperity pervaded the entire estate, in pleasing contrast with the desolate region of country close at hand.

Outside the park wall was a broad, deep ditch, filled with clear water and spanned by a handsome stone bridge, wide enough for two carriages abreast, which led to the grand entrance gates.

These were of wrought iron, and quite a marvel of delicate workmanship and beauty.

There was a good deal of gilding about them, and the lofty apex bore a marquis's crown above a shield supported by two naked savages, upon which the de Bruyeres arms were richly emblazoned--it was an entrance worthy of a royal demesne.