The New Orleans Democrat. (New Orleans, La.) 1875-1876, 1876-07-30
CHAPTER XXxIv.
THE CONSPIRACY.

When the royal party returned TO the masuue
the festiyity OF the evening was at its height
cavaliers were Whispering their most impas-
stoned love speeches-the danes were making
their tenderest responses. The universal free
dom that prevailed gave the revel somewhat OF
the character 81 an orgie. Escl,rmonde shrunk
back as she beheld the license Of tho scene, and
would haye. rctreated, had retreat been pos.
sible. But Henri hurried her qui ky UPWARDS
The King Of Navarro Is seated near yon
beauiet,a he snid his right and grasps COB,
his mistress. We shall be rather In the way. No
matter. / am ready to commit you to his care 9
EsclaITmonde hesitated.
At all events we had better wait till he has
finished his song" continued Henri: for It il
evident from his gestures that he is pouring
forth ms passion IN verse. In the meantime
YOU VIII oolige US by resumng your mask, fair
As the princess complied with the monarch s
request; henri sIi 81 Navarro arose Taxing tho
dancers, and was quickly lost to view.
You must. pertorce. remain with me. a few
moments longer" said Henri; let us take our
station within yon embrasure whence we can
command the room. and as soon as the bransle
Is ended. viii summon the Bearnais to our
Esclairmonde suffered herself to be led toward
the window. AS they proceeded thther Henri
ventured to take her hand within his own.
Sire. she said, gently endeavoring to with
remain with YOU on he condition that " you do
not renew the suit which has hitherto so much
distressed me-"
Your condition is hard one, fair cousin. but
will strive to obey you"
Amid the crowd Of gay. masks, however that
surrounded her, she could net discern his state
Tn sit n or th: as. q marEasrte Dc ysIois
royal syren has regained all her influence over
Henri OWNED her thoughts. MY sister has
imposed no such condition on her lover as you
would impose, on me. fair cousin he said.
Their quarrel e eyidsntly, arranged, and he is
r: .s9 to his old place in her affections"
.,hTIhey have y disappear,ed. Shall ws Day an
perceive her majesty In the further salon con-
verwsnf Y a ths gs1 ds Hs,r
mo. ma mie. cannot part with you thus. /
%irseie ssei lIt,is more ssis way, lsIr coz 10
His lifs. sre dsa sasp pc Escl sYID%Rs'
trembles DER his head"
You terrify me, sire"
would not do So mignonne" replied Henri;
cess" he added, passionately. IL Is in your
power TO save him"
4 understand your majesty" said Esclair-
Not entirely returned tho king: you may
divine my motive. but you scarcely / think.
foresee the proposal am about to make to you. |
must premise by recounting the history of my
earliest amourette. Renee de Rieux my FIRST |
mistress. before | beheld her, had disposed of |
her heart To Philippe Altoyiti'
: Spare me this recital. sire"
She is now his consort You love the Cheva- |
ler Crichton. On the same terms you shall be |
his bride"
II am the daughter Of Louis Of Bourbon. |
sire"
France
Were the King Of France to sue for my hand
would refuse himl" replied Esclairmonde |
haughtily: '.iet him seek out his minions among
those complaisant danes who. because he is a
king. have nothing to refuse him."
You have sealed your lovers fate, fair cou-
ain" reloined Henri. ''Du Hal ie," added he
to the chief valet. bid the Due de
Movers attend u.s."
sire said Esclairmonde, becoming pale as
DEATH but speaking In firm tone. take heed
how you proceed TO extremities 4 am woman
and threat from me may weigh little with your
majesty. But ii. from mere jealous anger. and
IN no Just ground you adJudge a knight loyal
ind true as Crichton. TO ashameful death, such
vengeance a. one OF my sex may take, will
rave Look to 1t. sire. My threat is neither an
die nor a light one"
Par la Mort -dieul, exclaimed Henri IL had
Entertained any doubts as to your origin. fair
,ouein the spirit you have Just displayed would
rave removed them. The fire of the old Bourbons
& not extinct. accept your defiance. Crichton
lies, or you are. mine. Decide. for here comes
lis executioner."
:" answer. as the Chevalier Crichton would"