The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1878-05-20


my sword, that | will kiss you before
go ~
The last word had scarcely left his lips
before the lovely Constance de Clerry
stood before him. Magnificent and queen
ly-for she possessed the figure and lowell
ness of Juno-looked the wife of fort
night, and the maddened soldier uttered a
cry of admiration.
Constance he cried, stepping rash
ly forward with ungloved hands out
stretched, 1--WE meet again. The day has
gone against us, and France is PROSTATE
ut Edwards feet!"
Her face grew suddenly pale, for her
father and brothers had undoubtedly taken
part in the conflict.
She staggered toward the wall, and per-
haps might have swooned if the strong
arms of Philip the Red had not quickly
encircled her.
A moment later she started from him
with offended dignity.
"Tell me of my father, and l will tell
Burdount about the disgrace"
"Your kindred fought on the left. They
were opposed to the Black Princes bow
men. fought near His Majesty, and con-
sequently did not see them. am fugl-
tive tonight; but ask no shelter at your
fair hands. Constance, hear the name
which in my blind alteration have fondly
hoped would never fall from your lips.
My sword has been sheathed for the last
time. The only thing for which | would
draw again-your love-has turned against
me. A price is set upon my head.
Philip de Ayenal is a hunted man, and you,
Constance, have stigmatized the life that
has famed over courts and Journeys like q
blazing star"
Lady Constance almost groaned, and
covered her face with her hands.
The fugitives hand was quickly plunged
beneath bis breast plate, and the chevalier s
wife did not see the small metallic object
which it conveyed to his mouth.
81 must ride again." De Avenal said,
suddenly, as he started toward Con-
stance.
There was strange light in his eyes
now
Goods blessing 90 with YOU" said the
cheyalier's wife. "Should you ultimate
ly escape, send message to the castle
that we may rejoice"
"That | will. But kiss before l ride
away, my Lady Constance"
mo, count" and the beautiful lady
whose face was quite pale, put out hel
hands imporingly.
''In all my love have never kissed
you !" he cried,
"Do not make me false to my lord, the
cheyalier. Here, take this signet L
will prove a parting token, and, when
, far away, you will think of me-"
But the impetuous fugitive from battle
was not to be deferred from his fixed pur.
pose by the woman's pleading.
He sprung forward and seized her in hi
strong arms.
ga kiss, and nothing less!" he cried
"Yield, my Constance, and let me go il
peace"
She was as child in his arms, ant
with deep blush she closed her eyes ant
ceased to struggle.
! Fora single moment the nobleman feast
ed his eyes upon the matcnless beauty O
the face that almost touched his lips, thel
: he drew it upward and implanted a kis
, upon the blushing cheek
A shiyer passed over the wife's fran
as his lips bestowed the kiss, and sh
opened her eyes with start of suddel
E pain.
E Farewell p he cried, with fendish Joy
1 as he released her, and she staggere
: back like one under the influence O
$ wine.
"My Lady Constance, goodnight
e You are poisoned. | kill whoe'er kiss =
3 She did not hear the last words, uttere
in triumphant tones that would have don
8 credit to the King of Tophet. One will
: cry pealed from her throat, and at the foo
D Of the stair, guarded by golden lions, sh
e sunk pale and deadly.
Philip the Red cast one look upon tn
e motionless form, and bounded from tn
? corridor.
He had not departed one moment to
e soon, for a figure darted down the steps
= and stood beside the stricken countess.
1t was the youthful chevalier, Bur
dount
A glance seemed to satisfy him that hi
beautiful wife was dead, and the sound
Of hoofs ON the draw told him that tn
murderer was flying from the scene of hi
crime.
''Not until I return with the blood o
De Avenal on my sword !" he said to
.orron+ who hod vanturad tO nupStion hin