The morning star and Catholic messenger., 1874-10-11
THE
LION OF FLANDERS;
OR THE
BATTLE OF THE GOLDEN SPURS.
E
BY HENDRIX CONSCIENCE.
[Continued.l
OR THE

Night had now set in I; the guests had long
since departed, and Queen Joanna was alone
with her waiting woman in her chamber.
Already she had laid aside great part of her
cumbrous magnificence, and was busted in dis
arrayipg herself of all ber jewelry. The hasty
movements of her hands, and the irritable ex-
preston of her countenance, eyinced the most
violent impatienee. The attendant in waiting
could do nothing Alright, and got from her
mistress only sharp and angry words; neck
laoes and earrings were thrown hither and
thither, as things of naught; while express
sions of annoyance flowed necessarily from
her mouth.
In loose white robe the enraged queeu kept
pacing her chamber to and fro in deep thought,
while her flaming eyes wandered iercely
around. At last her attendant quite discon-
certed at her strange manner and violent ges-
ticulstions, approached her, and respectfully
inquired:
"Will your majesty be pleased to remain up
any longer Shall go for fresh Light Z"
To which the queen answered impatientiy:
"No, there is light enoughl Cease to annoy
me with your tiresome questions. Leave me
alone; begone tell you! Go to the anteroom,
aud wait there for my uncle De ChGtillon.
Let him come to me forthwith-go"
While the damsel proceeded to execute the
orders thus rudely given, Joanna sat down by
"a table and re ted her head upon her hand. In
this position she remained for some minutes,
thinking upon the insult she had received /;
then, rising, she paced the room with hasty
steps, at the same time violently gesticulating
with her bands. At last she spoke in a sup
pressed voice:
What this paltry Insignificant people to
put scorn upon me, the Queen of France! an
insolent girl to stare me out of countenancel |
And shall / quietly put mp with such an
af1rontH"
A tear of anger glistened upon her burning
cheek. Suddenly again she raised her head,
and laughed with the malicious joy OF a fiend
as she continued:
90 We insoent Flemings! you do not yet
know Joanna of Navarro you know not how
fearfuliy her vengeance can fall! Rest and
sleep without dread in your rash security!
know of means that will give you fearful
awakening. What cup of bitterness shall my
hand uix for you What tears shall not make
you shed! Then at least you shall know my
power, Crawl before me you will, and suppii-
cate me- insoleut slaves bnt you shall not be
16QIO! WIN JOY bub1 Dob my hOVt oPSA INS-
stubborn necks. In vain shall you weep and
cry 4: for Joanna of Navarro Is inexorable.
That you know not yet,-but you shall know
it.n
Hearing her attendants step in the passage,
she now hastened to compose herself; and
standing before mirror, she gave her counte-
nance q calmer expression, while her whole
bearing assumed more tranquil sir. In the
art of dissim ulatiop, that great accomplish
ment of bad princes, Joanna was perfect
adept.
Soon De Chatillon entered the room, aud
bent one knee to the ground before the queen.
"Messire de Chatillon," }" sbe said, giving him
her band to rise, " it seems that you do not
pay much attention TO my wishes. Did not
appoint you to come to me long ere this r.
"True, madam; bat was detained by the
king my master. Believe, pray yon, my
i,Iustrious niece, that have been upon burn
inq Goals, so earnest was my desire to fulfl
your royal pleasure"
al thank you for yopr goodwill, Mesaire
and am desirOus this very day Of reWarding
You for all your faithful serviees.S
GrastUus princess, Is il itself great bccn