The Portland daily press., 1866-04-14

TAINTED now by her brother she defended
Emile, declaring that she believed her to be
selitiess, even going so far as to boast that
wtnln month she would bring proof of her
| innocence
"Robinet was nrettv ho,, A., s.;a ux.,,.
laughing ' 'U -''
| Let us make bet" cried Margaret. ssIfI
lose, VIII bear this vile rhyme of thine as a
motto, TO my shame to my grave ! if why
Il will break my window, and GRANT thee
whatever boon thou askest."
The result of this bet was long sung nv from
badour and minstrel. The queen employed a
hundred mmissaries-published rewards for
any intelligence of Emile; all in vain. The
month was expiring, and Margaret would
have given many bright jewels to redeem her
word. On the eve ofthe fatal day, the TAILOR
of the prison in which the Sieur de Laany
was confined sought an audience of the queen:
he brought her message from the knight TO
say, that If the lady Margaret would ask his
pardon as her boon, and obtain from her roy
al brother that he might be brought before
nun, her bet was won. Fair Margaret was
very joyful, and readily made the desired
promise. Francis was unwilling to see his
iaise servant, but he was In high good humor
ior cavalier had that morning brought him
ilmteiilSence OF a victory over the impelialists.
Inc messenger himself was Landed in the des-
palenes as the most fearless and brave knight
IN france. The king loaded him with pres
ents, only regretting that vow prevented the
name.
mat same evening as the setting sun shone
on the lattice on which the ungailant rhyme
was Traced, Francis reposed on the same settee
ana Inc beautiful queen of Navarro. with tri-
umph In her bright eyes, sat beside him. At
tended by guards, the prisoner was brought
IN ~ us irame was attenuated by privation, and
ne walked with lettering steps. He knelt at
the feet OF Francis, and uncovered his head a
quantity of rich golden hair then escaping. fen
over the sunken cheeks and pallid brow Of the
suppliant. III I'd =
me-, we have treason herep cried the king
Slr lallor, where is your prisoner?o
ore Diame him not" said the soft, falteripg
voice OF Emile; wiser men than he have
oeen deceived by woman. My dear Lord was
guiitless OF the crime for which he suffered
There was but one mode to save him az
sumeo ms chains he escaped with poor Robi-
net Leroux In my attire; he Joined your army.
the young and gallant cavalier who delivered
the dispatches to your grace-whom Won over
wheimed with honors and rewards-is INV
own Euguerard de Lagny. / waited but for
ms arrival with testimonials ofhis innocence.
TO declare myself to my lady the queen. Has
she not won her be-? and the boon She asks
rs de Lagny's pardon" said Margaret. as
she also knelt to the king. "Spare your faith
ful vassal, sire, and reward this lady's truth.n
Francis first broke the false speaking win
dow, then he raised the ladies from their sup
plicatory posture.
In the tournament given to celebrate this
triumph of ladies'" the sieur de Lagny bore
on every prize; and surely there was mora
loneliness N Emilie's faded cheek, more grace
IN her emaeiatcd form-types as they were of
Iruest a1ection-than in the prouder bearing
ana resher complexion of the most brilliant
beauty in attendance on the courtly festival