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pied. Hither and thither they drifted, swayed, eddied, laughing, chattering, intriguing, whispering, admiring, wondering, playing all the tricks, repeating all the antics that are the time-honored attributes and privileges of a masquerade. Here trained dancers executed some elaborate measure for the entertainment of those that cared to pause in their wandering and behold them; there mysterious individuals, in flowing draperies, professed to read the stars and tell the fortunes of those that chose to spare some moments from frivolity for such mystic consultations. In the handsomest part of the garden, hard by the Pond and Fountain of Diana, a magnificent tent had been pitched, which was reserved for the accommodation of the king himself and for such special friends as he might choose to invite to share his privacy. Around this tent a stream of mirth-makers flowed at a respectful distance, envying--for envy is present even at a masquerade--those most highly favored where all were highly favored in being admitted into the sovereign's intimacy. At the door of this tent, Monsieur Breant, who had been one of the cardinal's principal servants, and who still remained the head custodian of the palace, was standing surveying the scene with a curiosity dulled by long familiarity. He was unaware that a sombrely clad hunchback, quite an incongruous figure in the merry crowd, was making for him, until the hunchback, coming along beside him, touched him on the arm and called him by name: "Monsieur Breant!" Breant turned and gazed at the hunchback with some surprise. "Who are you?" he asked. The hunchback laughed as he answered: "Don't you know me? Why, man, I am AEsop the Second. My illustrious ancestor laughed at all the world, and so do I. He loved the Greek girl Rhodopis, who built herself a pyramid. I am wiser than he, for I love only myself." Breant shrugged his shoulders and made to turn upon his heel. "I have no time for fooling." AEsop detained him. "Don't leave me; I am good company." Breant did not seem to be tempted by the offer. "That may be, but I must attend on his majesty." AEsop still restrained him. "You can do me a favor." Breant eyed the impertinent hunchback with disfavor. "Why should I do you a favor, AEsop the Second?" The hunchback explained, gayly: "In the first place, because I am the guest of his Majesty the King. In the second place, because I am the confidential devil of his Highness
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