Mineral Point weekly tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1859-1868, 1866-06-20

the King,
I II was her lover, Francois, King PHI
i lips body servant, and who passing by
/ the house; called &c have chat with his
I berothed
How now, Marie?" he said, looking
into her face. "What has frightened the
roses from your cheek, and given you such
/ 4 strange look 2
The honest>heartcd fellow was sincere-
/ ly attached to his royal master, and he
listened gravelY to Maries account of the
strange conduct of her visitor, and the sus-
picion to which It gave rise.
u has a bad look, he said thoughtful
ly Though | believe there is nothing in
it. BY good luck, have orders to attend
His Majesty in his private apartments an
hour hence. ] will put him on his guard,
then surely no harm can possibly come of
it.
Somewhat to the surprise Of Francois,
the King manifested no disquiet2de at
his disclosure, though the grave look ana
attentive manner with which he listened
showed that he considered the matter as
one of no ligh5 import. lie Dade him to
charge Marie
go tell 40 one what she had discover
cd but 70 come to the Palace with her
flowers an hour ca. Iier than was her won't
and by no means to forget her golden
King Philip sat in his audience hall
surrounded by his ratinue. a number cE
the royal family stood near him among
them tho Count de Neville. his wife, and
the little son, Il sweet little boy Of three,
whose winning and spri-hty WAYS made
him a favorIte WI6h the King.
And please your Majesty, Marie, the
flower-glrl, is awaiting without said one
Of the guard.
~Admi5 her, said the King.
Marie had never seen King Philip In
his robes 0fstate, aad the royal pomp that
surrounded him impressed her with
feeling Of awe as she entered. 55ut this
was quickly dissipated by the Kings gra-
cIOgs manner as he bade he approach.
II see you have n2t forgotten ny fa-
rorilo flower, hc said, taking tie basket
from her hand
just admire these queen1y lilies, fair
Countess, and inhale the fragance from
the roses.
'.3ut why 10 you start and turn pale p
he added, rs with an involuntary shud1er
she drew back from the flowers he would
have placed in her hand.
- craze your Majesty's pardon,
she stamaCrcd, but the OIOr of roses al~
tects me thus
The Kings eyes followed the Countess
as she retceated to the window at the fur
ther end Of the hall under the pretext of
obtaining air. lie then fixed them search
ingiv upon her husbands face, whose
mind seemed to be entirely occupied by
the laughing boy lie held in his arms.
Attracted bv the bright color Of the Ills
les, the child stretched out its hand for
them. A sudden thought struck the king
as be observed this.
see how eagerly Louis is regarding
them lie said turning to the Count
Let him have them"
With q fond smile the father took the
flowers and held them before the bow
Who catching them with both his dimplcI
hands, raised them with glCoful shout 10
his lips
Instantly deadly palIor oversprcad his
face and with a faint gasp he fell dead in
his fathers arms.
The Countess had kept 4 furtive watch
on the King. s movements from her retreat,
and forgetting every Lhin. IN her terror,
sprang forward to arre5t her husbands
arm.
Monster" she exclaimed, glaring upon
him like a tigress robbed of her young,
/ you have destroyed your child r.
and you, said Philip, pointing sig
nifcautlv to the flowers still clasped in
( the chiIds rigid fingers, you would have
I murdered your king
! lis this the woman that called at your
cottage this morning he inquired, turn
ing to Marie
THE same your Majesty.
As soon as the Count comprGhonded the
/ full meaning Of these words, ne casJa look
Of horror and detestation upon his wife,
4 Z. b.,l l,-f J..
the pile Cl velvet cushions at tho feet Of
the king.
Il can lay before you no stronger proof,
sire, he faltcred. "that | was ignorant Of
tho existence OF the base plot against your
life
As Philip looked upon the still sweet
features Of the child, and then upon ms
father, his eyes softened
You arc right God knows | would
fain have spared your loyalty such Sc
we're test
Il wish You all to bear witness" said
he. addressing those around him. that I
fully ezsnevata Count lie Neville from all
completely w.5l his wife in this att mp5
unau -ae life Of your king
~A~ b Eeu be added turning to the
gritty. trembling woman. gave you
twenty DAYS 10 leave the kingdom after
that time SOU &rc found ia ur domains,
Fou shah suEc. the tuA penalty 81 your
King Philip lid not forget the debt of
-ra.l-a3a be owed 10 Marie aDG A.s faita-
lul attendant lie was present sc the
marriage which occurred iew days after
- bestgwin- . dowerv on the bride. and
other substantial. marks OF favor and ev-
ar atrer wards in c9muemoratlou Of his
IroTiaenlial dalivaranGa, he bore UPON his