Her portrait
is to be seen in all the shop windows, and all the stadtholders dine
once a month in the Black Raven to enjoy this pie. Neither through
prayers nor entreaties, commands, or threatenings, has Madame Blaken
been induced to give up her recipe or even to go to the castle and
prepare the pasty. She declares that this is the richest possession
of the Black Raven, and all who would be so happy as to enjoy it
must partake of it at her table. Balby! Balby! hasten my good
fellow, and command the venison pastry," said Frederick, eagerly.
"Ah! what bliss to lodge in the Black Raven' Waiter, I say! fly to
this exalted woman!"
Balby rushed out to seek the hostess and have himself announced.
Madame Blaken received him in her boudoir, to which she had
withdrawn to rest a little after the labors of the day. These labors
were ever a victory and added to her fame. There was no better table
prepared in Holland than that of the Black Raven. She was in full
toilet, having just left the dinner table where she had presided at
the table d'hote as lady of the house, and received with dignity the
praise of her guests. These encomiums still resounded in her ears,
and she reclined upon the divan and listened to their pleasing echo.
Pages:
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162