Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1873-04-15
CHARLES DE BOURBON.

The court is at Amboise. Francis is
only twenty, and still solicits the advice
of his mother, Louise de Savoie, regent
during his minority. Marguerite, now
married to the Due Alencop, has also
considerable influence over him. Both
these Princesses, who are with him at
Ambrose, insist ON the claims Of their
kinsman, Charles de Montpensier, Due
de Bourbon-in right of his wife, Su-
zanne, only daughter and heiress Of
Pierre, the last Duke-to be appointed
Constable of France. 1t is an office
next in power to the sovereign, and has
not been revived since the reasonable
conspiracy of the Comte de St. Pol, in
the reign of Louis XI.
Bourbon is only twenty-six, but he is
already hero. He has braved death
again and again in the battlefield with
dauntless valor. In person he is tall and
handsome. In manners, he is frank,
bold and prepossessing; but when Of
Tended, his proud nature easily turns to
vindictive aud almost savage revenge.
Invested with the double dignity of gem
eral of the royal forces and Constable of
France, he comes to Amboise to salute
the King and the Princesses, who are
both strangely interested in his career,
and to take the last commands from
Francis, who does not now propose ac'
companying his army into Italy.
There is q restless, mobile expression
on Rourbon's dark yet comely face that
tells of strong passions i'll suppressed. A
man capable Of ardent and devoted love,
and of bitter hate; his marriage with his
cousin Suzanne, lately dead, had been
altogether political alliance to bring
him royal kindred, wealth and power.
Suzanne had failed to interest his heart.
1t is said that another passion had long
engaged him. Francis may have some
hint as to who the lady is, and may re-
sent Bourbons presumption. At all
events the constable is no fayorite with
the King. he dislikes bis fanfaronade
.r.I naughty address. he loves not
either td see subject of his own sgs SO
nowerfnl and 50 magnificent; 1t trenches
too much on his own prerogaahves OF
success. Besides, as lads, Bourbon ana
Francis had quarreled at q game oil
maille. The King had challenged bour,
bon. but had never foaght him, ane
Bourbon resented this refusal rs an
affront to his honor
The constable, mounted on sptepdld
charger, with housings Of black velvet,
and attended by brilliant suit, gallops
into the court yard. His fine person is
set of by rich surcoat, worn over a suit
of gilded armor. He wears red and
white penaehe in his helmet, and his
sword and dagger arc thickly incrusted
with diamonds.
At the top Of the grand staircase Ars
posted one hundred archers; royal pages
conduct the constable through the range
Of state apartments.
The King receives Bourbon in the
great gallery hung with tapestry. he
Is seated on a chair Of state, ornamented
with elaborate carving, on which the
arms Of France are 10 high relief. This
chair is placed on q raised floor or dais
covered with q carpet, Beside him
stand the grand master Of the esTe-
monies, who introduces the constable 70
the King. Francis, who inclines his
head and raises bis cap for an instant,
is courteous, but cold. Marguerite
dAlencon is present; like Bourbon, she
is uuhsppily mated. The Ddc q Allen
con is, physically and mentally, her in
ferior. When the constable salutes the
King. Marguerite stands apart. Con-
scious that her brothers eyes read her
thoughts, she blnshes deeply and averts
her face. Bourbon advances 10 The spot
where she is seated in the recess Of an
sral window. He bows low before her
Marguerite rises and ofsrs him her
hand. Their eyes meet- There Is no
Disguise in the passisnsts glance Of the
constable. Marguerite, confused and
embarrassed, turus avay.