Urbana union. [volume] (Urbana, Ohio) 1862-1872, 1863-04-22

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 cause
which had inspired this libel against the en-
tire woman kind.
What have we here2" said Margaret
Nay this is les a,qjeste--"
",Souuert femme varie-5ien tou g,i sy Jfer
(Ofen women changes--foolish be that trusts
her)
Very little change would amend your line
sir, greatly-would it not run better thus:
"lSouus,,t hOm1ae varie-Jins JoH q,a s'y fer
I0oNen man changes-ioolish she was who
trust him.
II could tell you a thousand stories O.
mans Inconsistency"
al will be content with one true tale o
woman's fidelity, said Francis, dryly; "but dc
not provoke me. I would fain be at peace
with the soft mutabilities, for thy dear sake
II defy your grace, replied Margaret, rash
ly, to instance the falsehood Of one noble and
well rgputed dame"
mot even Emile de Lagny?" said the king
This was a sore subject for the queen. EN-
lie had been brought up in her household
the most beautiful aud the most virtuous o.
her maids of honor. She had long loved the
Sire de Lagny, and their nuptials were cele-
brated with rejoicing but little ominous of the
result De Lagny was accused but a year af-
ter on traitorously yielding to the emperor 6
fortress under his command, and he was con-
demned to perpetual imprisonment. For some
time Emile was ineonsolable often visiting the
miserable dungeon Of her husband, and suf
iering, on her return from witnessing bis
wretchedness, such paroxysms of grief as
threatened her life. Suddenly, in the midst
other sorrow, she disappeared; and inquiry on
tlydivulged the disgraeeful fact that she escap-
ed from France bearing her jewels with her
ndaccOmpanied by herpage, Robinet Leroux
Tt was rumored that, during her journey, the
lady and her STRIPPING were often seen together
and Margaret enraged at these discoveries
commanded that no further quest should be
made for her lost favorite.
Tainted now by her brother, she defended
Emile, declaring that she delivered her to be
guiluess, even going SO far as to boast that
within month she would bring proof of her
innocence.
sRobine. was a pretty boy" said Francis
laughing.
Let us make bet, cried Margaret.
lose, viii bear this vile rhyme Of thine as
motto to my shame to the grave; If I win
81 will break my window, and grant thee
whatever boon thou askest."
The result OF this bet was long sung by
troubadour and minstrel The queen EN-
ployed hundred emissaries-published re,
wards for any intelligence of Emiie-an il
vain. The month was expiring, and Mar.
garet would have given many bright jewel,
to redeem her word. On the eve of the fata
day, the jailor of the prison in which tn,
Sire de Lagny was confined, sought an au
dience Of the queen; he brought her mes
sage from the knight to say that if the fai
lady Margaret would ask his pardon as boOr
and obtain from her royal brother that hi
might see him, her bet was certainly won.
Fair Margaret was very joyful, and readily
made the desired promise. Francis was un
willing to see his false servant but he was il
high good humor, for cavalier had tha
morning brought intelligence OF a victory
over the imperialists. The messenger himsel
was lauded in the dispatches as the most fear
less and brave knight in France. The kinl
loaded him with presents, only regrettinG
that a VOW prevented him from raising a viseI
or declaring his name.
The same evening, as the setting sun shont
on the lattice on which the ungallant rhyme
was traced, Francis reposed on the same set.
tee, and the beautiful Navarro queen, with
triumph in her bright eyes sat beside him
Attended by the guards, the prisoner was
brought in; his frame was attenuateG by pri-
walton, and he walked with tottering steps
He knelt at the feet of Francis, and uncov,
cred his head a quantity of rich golden hail
then escaping, fell over the sunken checks
and pallid brow of the suppicant.
/" We have treason herel" cried tie king
% Sire jailor, where is your prisoner ?"
Sire, blame him not, said the soft, falter
ing voice of Emile; wiser men than he have
been deceived by woman. Ny dear lord wa
guiltless of the crime for which he suffered
There was but one mode to save him; I as
sumed his chains; he escaped with poor Rob.
met Leroux in my attire; he joined your army
the young and gallant cavalier wao delivered
the dispatches to your grace, whom you over
whelned with honors and rewards, is my owr
Eugusfaad de Lagny. I waited but for hi
arrival with testimonials of his innocence, tc
declare myself to my lady the queen. Ha
she not won her bet? and the boon she
asks,
ais de Lagny's pardon, said Margaret, alsc
kneeling at the kings feet Spare your faith
full vassal sire, and reward this lady's truth ?
! Francis first broke the false speaking win.
dow, then he raised the ladies from their sup
lphcerory posture.
In the tournament given to celebrate TIN
triumph Of ladies' the sire de Lagny bore
oil every prize; aud surely there was mOrs