The New Orleans Democrat., 1876-05-28

crowd at her approach, It's stature was that Of
Crichton's challenger-the plumes were his-thf
sable cloak In all respects the same Catherine
he'll" Thought the Queen Mother. and she dis
patched one of her pages to bid him TO her pros
What would your highness with me - said
the mask, advancing with profound ana
courtly salutation. and addressing Catherine IL
Il was not deceived" thought Catherine 1t is
the voice ] have sent for you. signore. she
added. In u bland and gracious tone. and Al
dressing the mask in the same language. IN
order to express to you, ere qut the fete. the
lively sense Of gratitude entertain for tho I'M
portant service you have rendered me, assure
yourself, your zeal shall not be overlooked, !
am neither unwilling. as Heaven be praised
am not wholly unable to reduite it,. -
y9ua ad rmnderea Ta You y s would
deem 1t deserving Of your thanks replied the
mask.
thenw asked Catherine compaisantly
Il hold myself assured Of conquest" returned
"Tbe migniard Crichton dupes himself with
like belief" reJoined the Queen Mother. but
not with like assurance OF success The God 9f
battles. trust. will grant you victory ana enable
you To overthrow your enemy:
AmenF returned the mask
Fall back messieurs, said Catherine to her
attendants; Il have much OF moment to commu
ncate TO YOU" she added. assuming more con
Touching the Gelosa2' inquired the mask.
Not here" replied Catherine am about
70 return to my palace You must not accom-
Too much caution cannot be Observed. Tho
PALACES Of princes are all eyes-all ears;
Your glove. madame" interrupted tho mask
lot which Catherine let fall as II by accident.
Keep it," replied the Queen Mother. smiling !:
within is folds you will and key; the use % Of
which am apout to explain TO you. That glove,
! may premise, displayed upon your cap. will
obtain your admission to the Hotel de scissors;
Exchange no words with ne atte3aan.sii, no nu'
Within a niche you will observe three statues.
The central figure, that 81 my father. Lorenzo
pivot. Touch the spear within its grasp. and
you will perceive a subterraneous passage lead
ing to my turret Of observation. Apply the key
/ have given you to door which will impede
your further progress. and you will find your,
self in Ruggieri's laboratory An hour hence
shall expect you there
She is in my charge. Crichtons dle boast.
.ee. weighs with you-but trust me, neither force
nor straiagem will gain him entrance to that
score that ! will give him tho girl II he finds
1eans Of reaching her prison;
4 Yet he has adventured there already.
madame" returned the mask. eagerly, and
should he take you at your word. would you
part with your charge upon such easy terms'"
Your majesty would almost appear to favor
your eDemy's designs continued the mask.
"CricRton will mover moro venture there.
si9nore." said Catherine. unless" added she
smiling. 'he come hther under your guidance.
You shall know more Of his destiny an hour
henoe. Meanwhile ] must conclude our inter-
viev-we are observed. The banquet. too. awaits
you One caution, on parting. beQueath you.
His majesty holds his rsvels late and It Is often
his custom 10 detain his guests. Should he issue
his commands TO close the doors OF the oval
shamber you will find beneath the suite Of
hangings which represent Diana and hor
nymphs, n sliding door"
=! understand your majesty
"A rivedersi. signOre."
Il kiss your majesty's hand. replied the
mAsk. with q profound Obeisance. The figure
then mingled with group OF jewellers who ap
preached them and who wore ioyousy hurrying
towards the grand hall OF banquet: while Cathe-
rine. ushered forth by cOncourse Of pages and
lacQueys entered her sumptuous litter and de-
parted from the Louvre
FRO CONTINUED