, 1863-06-04
The Roval Wager.
" Come, tell me where the maid Is found
Whose heart can love without deceit,
Ard l will range the world around;

| ~ SlBn One mOIltut III neE iects -MOOTe.
On fine July day, the fhir Margaret, queen Of
Navarro, then on visit to her royal brother, had
arranged q rural feast for the morning following,
which Francis had declined attending. He was
melancholy, and the cause was said to be some
lovers quarrel with iavorite dame. The morrow
came, and dark rain and murky clouds destroyed
at once the schemes Of the courtly throng. Mar
garet was angry, and she grew weary; her only
hope for amusement was ID Francis, and be had
shut himself fup-an excellent reason why she should
the more desire to sec him. She entered hisapart-
ment; he was standing at the easement, against
which the noisy shower beat, writing with q dia-
mond on the glass. Two beautiful dogs were his
sole companions. As Queen Margaret entered, he
hastily let down the skeI curtain before the win
dow, and looked little confused
"What treason Is this" MY tliege, said the queen,
(which crimsons yOht cheekS must Zee the
same."
at Is treason" replied the king, and therefore,
sweet sister, thou must not see it."
This the more excited Margarets curiosity, and
playful contest ensued. Francis at last yielded;
he threw himself on huge high-backed settee;
and, as the lady drew back the curtain with an
arch smile he grew grave and sentimental, as he
reflected on the eause which had inspired this libel
against ell woman-kind.
Whit have we heref" sid Margaret: "Nay,
this is lsss majsste--
"'0nsn Sdlia shanGss-IOoish be ShO irusts hsrF
Very little change would greatly amend your line,
sir; would It not run better thus:
ai6htn mai shsnSesAioOlish che xhO truIii hlni1
could tell yOua thousand stories Of mans incOn-
stancy"
twill be content with one true tale Of wOmans
fidelity" said Francis, drily but do not provoke
me. would fain be at peace with the soft muta-
h;ltk;aS g.. kh,v Ia.,
II defy your grace replied Margaret, rashly,
to instance the falsehoOd 0f one noble and we'll
reputed dame" a,
This was q sore subject Tor the queen. Emile
had been brought up in her household the most
beautiful and the most virtuous Of her maids Of
h0ti0t. She had long loved the Sire de Lhgny,
and their nuptials were celebrated with rejoicngs
but little omiuOus Of the result. De LAgny was
accused but q year after Of traitorOusly yielding
to the enemy fortress under bis command, and
be was condemned u perpetual imprisonment.
For some time Emile Nas ineonsolable often Wis
iting the miserable dungeon Of her husband, and
suffering on her return from witnessing his wretch
life. Suddenly, iP the midst Of her sorrow, she
disappearedi and inquiry only divulged the dis
graceful met tlidt she had escaped from France,
bearing her jewels with her. and accompanied BY
her page Leroux. Il was whispered that, during
her Journey, the lady and her STRIPPING were oiteD
seen together and Margaret, enraged at these dis
coveries, commanded that no further quest should
be made for her lost fatorite. TAINTED now BY
her brother, she defended Ettlie declaring that
she believed her to be guiltless and even going 90
far as to boast that within month she would
bring proof Of her innocence. d ne
RObinet was . pretty boy" said Francis,
laughing 7aaI
TIet us make bet," cried Margaret. aIf !
lose, will bear this vile line Of thine as motto
to my shame to my grave; IL wins"
II will break my window and grant thee what
ever boon thou aslest." taf
Tne subject Of this wager was long sung BY
ttoubadour and minstrel. The queen employed q
hundred emissaries [published rewards for any
intelligence Of Emilie-an In vain. The month
was expiring, and Margaret would have given
many bright jewels to redeem her word. On The
eve Of the fatal day, the jailOr Of the prison in
which the Sire de Iagny was confined sought an
audience Of the queen be brought her a message
from the knight to say, that II the lady Margaret
would ask his pardon as her boon, and obtain from
her royal brother that he might be brought before
him, her bet was won. Fair Margaret was very
joyful, and readily made the desired promise
Francis was unwilling TO see his false servant, but
be was In good huinor; for q cavalier had that
morning brought intelligence Of victory over the
imperialistss The messenger himself was lauded
In the dispatches as the most fearless and brave
knight in France. The king loaded himwith
lresents, only regretting that VOW prevented the
soldier from raising bis visor or declaring bis name
The same evening, as the setting sun shone on the
lattice, on which the ungallant line was traced,
Francis reposed on the same settee, and the beau.
tilul queen Of Navarro, with triumph in her bright
eyes, sat beside him. Attended by guards, the
prisoner was brought In bis frame was attenuated
BY privatiOn, and he walked with tOttering steps.
lie knelt at the feet Of Francis, and uncovered
his head; quantity Of rich golden hair t en- e.
Gaping fell over the sunken cheeks and pallid brow
Of the supplcant.
ave have treason here !" cried the king. "Sir
jailor, where is your prisoner9 !"
Sire blame him not" said the soft, ialtering
voice Of Emilie wiser men than be have been
deceived by women. Ny dear lord was guiltless
Of the crimes for which be suffered. There was
but one mode to save him; assumed his chains !;
he escaped with poor Robinet Leroux in my attire
he joined your army; the young and gallant cava-
lief who delivered the dispatches 10 your grace,
whom you overwhelmed with hOnors and rewards,
Is nv own Euguerard de LAgny. / waited but
for his arrival with testimonials Of bis innocence,
TO declare myself TO my lady the queen. Has she
not won her bet2 Aud the boon she asks"
"ls De Lagny's pardon" said Margaret, Is she
also knelt to the king. "Spare your faithful vas
sal, sire, and reward this ladyIs truthT
Francis first broke the iRlsespeaking window,
then be raised the ladies from their supplicatory
posture In the tournament given to celebrate
this /" triumph Of ladies" the Sire de Lagny bore
Of every prize; and surely there was more loteli'
ness In Emilies faded cbeek-more grace IN hef
emaciated Eorm-types as they were Of truest
afiectiOn-than 10 the prouder bearing and fresher
complexion Of the most brilliant beauty in attend
ance on the courtly festival
To be a woman Of fashion is one Of the easiest