The wines which accompanied this regal menu, unhappily, are not mentioned by the chronicler, but the name of Tours in connection with delicacies of the palate has always been a _cachet_ of excellence; its cuisine and its cellars are still unsurpassed in France. The banquet was accompanied by minstrelsy and masque. King René himself arranged the musical programme; indeed, he brought with him some of his famous troubadours. After dinner the august company disposed themselves, some to the merry dance, some to the quiet _têtes-à-tête_, and some to cards--then so fashionable and so much beloved by the King and Queen of France. A very famous pack was used, the Queens of the suit being Isabeau for “Hearts,” Marie for “Clubs,” Agnes Sorel for “Diamonds,” and Jeanne d’Arc for “Spades,” Kinged respectively by Charles VI., Louis III., Charles VII., and René; and the Knaves, Xaintrailles, La Hire, Dunois, and Barbazan--a quaint conceit! Upon the death of Louis III., his sister, Queen Marie, came in for a considerable fortune--renounced, be it said, by that most loving of all brothers, René, in her behalf. It was said that the new Duke assigned the whole of his revenues from Anjou to the use of his sister. He settled certain estates upon her which she very quickly and cleverly turned to good account. In person the Queen visited her new properties, dressed plainly in black and without ceremony, inquired into the condition of the labourers and the promise of the harvest, and then, calling to her assistance the well-known financier of Bourges, Jacques Cœur, opened out business relations with England. The vineyards of Anjou--at least, those bordering the Loire--were among the most fruitful in France. These the Ministers of the Queen exploited, and opened out a very profitable export trade from the port of La Rochelle. The sweet white vinous brandies of Annis became established favourites of English palates. Anjou cheese, too, was excellent; it still is made from milk of Anjou cows and goats. _Crême de Blois_ was famous long before Roquefort, Cantal, or Brie, came into request, and with fresh butter was exported largely to Southampton, much to the profit of Queen Marie’s exchequer. These homely touches introduce the student of “_La Vie Privée des Français_” to a charming hobby of the good Queen Marie--her love of animals and birds. In the _Comptes de Roy René_ is a letter to the Agents of the Audit; it is dated July 16, 1458, and is as follows: “By Command of the Queen. “WELL-BELOVED AND RIGHT TRUSTY,