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SEVEN STUDIOUS SISTERS
Before the King, on the lowest step of the throne, almost under the gold-brocaded canopy, knelt, with clasped hands and beseeching eyes, Sylvie, Natalie, Amelie, Virginie, Sidonie, Dorothée, and Clementine, the seven beautiful daughters of old Count Benoît of Verdennes, all badly frightened, but intrepid.
"Speak!" thundered the King at last. "No, do not speak! Every word will be used against you!"
"Your Majesty," began Sylvie, who was the eldest and had black hair, "we came to beg,"—
"With great earnestness," continued Natalie, who had brown hair,—
"That you will give us the opportunity," said golden-haired Amelie, shivering,—
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