ALENyON.

159

first specimens of her fabric: the king, inspired by Colbert witha desire to see the work, during supper at Versailles, announcedto his courtiers he had just established a manufacture of pointmore beautiful than that of Venice, and appointed a day when hewould inspect the specimens. The laces were artistically arrangedover the walls of a room hung with crimson damask and shown tothe best advantage. The king expressed himself delighted. Heordered a large sum to be given to Madame Gilbert, and desiredthat no other lace should appear at court except the new fabric,,upon which he bestowed the name of “ point de France.” 1

Fig. 78.

hii 1 !" 1 A 1 '

Chateau of Lonray, liep. de 1’Ome.

Scarcely had Louis retired than the courtiers eagerly strippedthe room of its contents. The approval of the monarch was thefortune of Alenfon; point de France adopted by court etiquette,the wearing of it became compulsory. All who had the privilegeof the “ casaque bleue,”—all who were received at Versailles, orwere attached to the royal household, could only appear, theladies in trimmings and head-dresses, the gentlemen in cravatand ruffles, of the royal manufacture.

1 ‘‘Miinoires liistoriquea sur la ville tl’Alen^un.” M.Odillou Diaiioa. Alem;on, 1787.