The Chateau de Blois was held by Counts of that name during three successive dynasties, reaching back to the sixteenth century. The early Counts of Blois were elected for life, but later on the succession became hereditary. The last Count being childless sold his lands to Louis d’Orlean’s for twenty thousand gold crowns. The Duc d’Orean’s had enjoyed his Castle but a few years when he was treacherously assassinated in Paris. His beautiful young widow, Valentine de Milan, retired with her sorrow to Blois, and survived her husband only a year. A little later the Maid of Orleans set out on her inspired mission, and riding her black charger, robed in white and fully armed, she led the six thousand archers through the gates of Blois. The castle is of different periods. The Salle des Etats of the thirteenth century yet remains, but the Duc d’Orleans, when he succeeded as Louis XII. to the throne of France, almost rebuilt the Chateau in which he was born. To him we owe the east front of red brick, with its elaborate gateway, and the equestrian statue above, richly canopied. An example of his work is the grand chimney piece in this etching. Upon it is the porcupine, the salamander, the fleur-de-lis, and the oft repeated L.A., the initials of Louis and his wife, Anne of Brittany. The beautiful wooden ceilings have been richly painted and gilded, and though much of the Castle has been despoiled , enough remains to tell of its former grandeur.