The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1874-09-13
NUMBER 80.

Chatillon, he remarked that his foe was nm
armed. With manifest disappointment, he put
his sword back into the sheath, and approach
ing De Chatillon, said in smothered voice:
~ do not suppose need throw you down my
gauntlet; you know that your words have cast
o blot upon me that can only be washed out
with blood before this sun goes down I will
demand an account from You Of this insult.n
eft is well," replied De Chatillon; az am
ready to maintain my royal niece's honor
against all opposers."
Tie two knights resumed their former places
in silence. During this short episode, the by
ISLANDERS had been variously affected by Robert
de Bethunes bold outbreak. Many of the
French knights had felt inclined to take his
words amiss but the laws of honor did not
allow of their interfering in the quarrel.
Charles do Valois shook his head with an Dir Of
annoyance; and it was easy to see from his
manner how much the hole affair vexed him.
Bat a smile of pleasure lowered upon the lips
Of tho old Count Guy, and turning to De Yslois,
he whispered: =-----.-
"My son Robert is brave knight, "a your
king Philip experienced at the siege of Lille,
when many valiant Frenohman fell before
Roberts sword. The men of Bruges, who love
him better than they do me, have given him
the surname of the Lion of Flanders, o title
which he we'll deserved also in the battle of
Benevento against Manfred
"I have long known Messire Robert de
Bethune," answered De Valois; "aad every
child, ween, knows the story, how with his
own hand he won the Damask blade he now
wears from the tyrant Manfred. His deeds OF
arms are far and wide renowned among tho
chivnlry of. France. The Lion of Flanders
passes with us for invincible, aud has we'll
earned his fame"
smile of contentment gilded the old mans
face; but suddenly his yisage darkemed, and
his head sank upon his breast, while he sor-
rowfully replied:
"Ah! Messire do Valos! is it not misery
that have no heritage to leave to such o son
To him who was SO well fitted to bring the
house of Flanders to fame and'hoporf 1t 10 the
thought of that, and of the imprisonment of
my poor child Philippa, which is fast Fastening:
me to the grave"
Charles de Taiois 1uade no answer TO the old
Counts lament. He was sunk in deep thought,
30 that even the rein had fallen from his hand,
and was hanging from the pommel of the
saddle. Count Guy long watched him as he
thus sat, and couid not enough admire the
generous feeling of the brave knight, who was
evidently, from his very heart, concerned for,
the woes of the house of Flanders. -=--=
But suddenly the French prince sat up in his
saddle, his counteuanoe beaming with joy
and laying his hand with q sort of confidential
familiarity upon that of the old Count, he ex-
claimed
"It is 4 suggestion of hoavenw
Guy looked at him with curiosity.
I" Yes " continued De Valois, 81 will bringit
about that my brother, Philip of France, shall
restore you to the PrinceIy seat OF your fathers"
"And what spell of power, think you, have
you found to work this miracle. after ho has
conferred upon yourself the fef that he has
aiken from me- 7"
"Give me your ear, noble Count. Your
laughter sits discoBsolste In the dungeons Of
he Louvre your fefs arc gone from you, and
heir heritage from your children bat know
way by which your daughter shall be re-
sased, and yourself reinstated."
"What say you r. cried Coy increduously.
That 1 cannot believe, Messire dc YaIois;
Mess, indeed, your queen, Joanna Of Navarro,
iould have ceased to live"
No: without that. Orr king, Philip the
air, is at this moment holding court at Com
egne; my sister-in law Joanna and EnGuer-
nd de Marigny are both at Paris. Como
it'll me to ComPiegne, take with you the chief
,bles Of the land, and falling at my brothers
ct, pray him that he win receive yOu once
ore to allegiance, as a repentant and faithful
IssaI."
F" And then :" asked Guy, amazed.
"Then he will receive you into his favor,
d you will recover both your land and your
ughter. Be Of good courage, aud trust 70
ESQ my words; Cor, The queen abscut Hrom his