The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1876-09-14

ings with which the countless multitude
that awaited you on the shore greeted
your coming, have perhaps never been
witnessed since the time of the Cru
sades."
"God grant that success may crown
my efforts, said the King, profoundly
moved; ssbut, Oxenstiern, at times I
have vague misgivings that Imay, after
all, fail. How terrible it would be if
should not bring my brave army, the
flower OF our country, back to Swe-
den!"
"Your Majesty" said Oxenstiern,
with that confident superiority which
made him one of the most convincing
and irresistible orators of his time,
''need not give way to doubts. For the
time being, there is absolutely nothing
to give us the slightest uneasiness. The
support which Cardinal Richelieu g1ves
us alone is worth couple of armies
Richelieu - exclaimed the King.
"But is he really and sincerely with
us ?"
"He is, sire"
CAT times it seemed passing strange
to me, !" interrupted Gustavus Adolphus,
"that he, prelate of the orthodox
Church, should lend such active aid to
the dissenters in their life-and-death
struggle with the Imperialists.
"Your Majesty" interrupted the
Chancellor, "I know Richelieu. He is a
man of iron. He knows that the tri-
umph of the Court of Hapsburg would
be dangerous in the extreme for France,
and that outweighs with him all other
considerations. For the rest, the Mar
quis de Chavanis is here as special en-
voy of the King OF France. He will be
present at the banquet of the Burgo-
master and municipality tomorrow,
and on that occasion transmit to your
Majesty two letters-one from King
Louis the Thirteenth, and, what is more
important, another from Cardinal Richie
lieu"
The conversation was here broken
off, and the Chancellor retired. The
King opened his Testament in order to
read, as was his habit, chapter in it
before going to bed, when there was a
soft rap at the door, and DR.. Brauns,
the Burgomaster of Stralsund, and host
of the King, entered the room, bowling
deeply.
"Your Majesty" he said, s'forgive
this intrusion. All evening there has
been down stairs vailed lady, who re-
fuses to give her name, but who seems
to be of high descent. She is extreme
~ anxious to see your Majesty for few
minutes, as she alleges, on business of
the highest importance. have vainly
tried to get rid of her. She asked me
to hand your Majesty this locket."
The King took the locket and opened
it.
An exclamation Of surprise escaped
him.
"Send her up," he then said, alb
ruptly, to the 3urgomaster.
The King seemed to have suddenly
become greatly agitated.
When the door opened, few minutes
later, and q slender, gracefully built
lady entered, he advanced a few steps
toward her. She raised the thick vail
that covered her face and displayed q
countenance very pale and somewhat
faded, but still retaining traces Of great
beauty.
".Rosanna!" CALCULATED the King,
drawing back.
Yes, it is R0sanna, Countess Gil
derstreen. King of Sweden,' she said,
in low but deeply impressive voice
" the same Rosanna whom you prom
ised to marry, but whom You allowed
your father to drive with her father in
to exile.''
Rosanna," said the King, strug-
Cling with his emotion, "I was power
less to resist. Grave considerations Of
public policy
"Induced you to break your word, !"
she said, in cutting tone. ssOh, yes,
you crowned heads have always such
excuses, which other people would look
upon as f1imsy and dishonorable.
"Rosanna, /" he said softly, 81 have
a great mission to perform"
ssI know it, King of Sweden"
"For years, it may be, my career
win be no bed of roses, but one Of hard
ships, sufferings, dangers. Do not
make my heart heavy at this terrible
hour. What has become of our sonp''
"You mean my sonP Thank God,
he is dead" she replied, in the most
icy tone"
Have you come to solicit any favor
from meP Name it, Rosanna, and ]
win grant it."
Il have come to save your life, King
Of Sweden" she said, solemnly.
aThat shall be my revenge for your
treachery."
"My life!" echoed the King. "Is it
in danger, thenP''
eft is in imminent peril
"From what quarterp" S.
"Listen to nae, King, " she replied,
in still lower tone.
He motinned her to a seat. For a