Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1894-03-22
CHAPTER NL,
The Nietnmorphose

1ue MtNlInoIpuoSt,
CANDLES was uShered into large
rom hung with Sombre tapestries, ana
only lighted by a single lamp, over
the chimney-piece hung the portrait Of
a lady and little boy, which he could
dimly distinguish by the feeble light.
He advanced toward the bed and
waited respectfully for the princess to
address him. but, as she did not speak,
he began to grow angry at his recep-
ton, and said, at last, madam. have
had the honor of asking on the part
of her Majesty the queen, an audience
from your highness, which you have
been good enough to grant win you
now add to this goodness showing that
you are aware Of my presence, and
ready to hear me-"
a slight movement was visible
through the curtains. and a half-stidcd
voice said, Speak, sir, ! listen"
Her majesty" continued Candles,
sends rue to assure your highness Of
her desire TO continue in nmicable re.
lations with you"
Monsieur replied the voice, "do not
speak of friendship between her Mai
esty and the house of Condo We have
proofs to the contrary in the dungeons
of Nincennes. However, sir what do
you desire%
Il wish nothing madam, it is tcr
Majesty who desired me to enter this
castle that / may, however unworthy
to consort with your highness con
tribute with all my power to re-cstab
fish the harmony which has been
broken"
"And while waiting for this restora.
ton Of harmony, the queen has my
actions spied."
Candles made a movement which a
painter would have given anything to
catch, and said passionately you are
frank, madam; you think me a spy.
Well, treat me as such. Forget that
/ am the envoy Of a queen, TO whom
| am answerable for all my actions
that | am forced 70 obey. Have me
turned out by your servants, or kill
me ly your officers; place me in front
Of those to whom | may reply, either
with my stick or my sword, but do
not, madam, SO cruelty insult an officer
who is only fulfilling his duties as a
soldier and subiect-you, who are
placed SO high, 10y birth, merit, and
misfortune"
The occupier Of the bed, half raised
herself in her agitation. and said.
eagerly, God forbid, sir, that / should
insult so brave a gentleman No NJ. de
Candles | retract my words; they
were wrong | confess; / did not mean
to wound you. You are a noble cava-
lier, NJ. lie Baron, and / do you full
justicew
II was but for a minute that the
speaker leaned forward, but Candles
guished i'm that minute, with beating
heart white forehead, surrounded
with long golden hair, rosy lips, and
soft eyes In the princess be.
fore him, he recognized the
Yicomte de Cambes. lie re-
manned, fascinated, frightened and al
most equally anxious as herself TO es-
cape detection, as he thought Of his
former freedom TO so great princess,
But suddenly a thought struck him
how could so great princess travel
with only one atteudant?-and at the
same instant his eye fell on the por-
trait Almost inyoluntarily he stepped
nearer to examine IT,
At this movement a stifled cry came
from the bed, and the face was still
more carefully covered. ooh" thought
Candles, either II was the princess
that | met or they are trying 70 de
ceiye me now, and it is not the princess
in that bed" He determined If pos
sible. to find out; so turning toward
the bed, be said, ~ am, however,
forced to tell your highness that how
ever disaTeeable It may be to you,
I am ordered to remain here, and ac-
company your highness everywhere
"Thus, then" cried the princess, 81
am not TO be alone, even in my own
room OH Monsieur this is too much
indimlty."
81 have told your highness that such
art my llNL uthVliSs buL ItdNHuIt s'il
self; your highness knows that 7 know
how to bow to the prayer Of a lady.
IT," cried the lady, in an embarrassed
tone, 81 do not know what you mean" "
Madam" continued the baron II
thought my name had been mentioned
to you ! am the Baron de Candles
well and what then, sirY
II thought that having already had
the honor Of being agreeable to your
highness-"
"How so, slr1' said a voice whose
half frightened, half irritated tones
rested In Candles memory
He thought ne had gone far enough
60 he said, "Bv not executing my IN
structions TO the letter"
The princess appeared treasured
"Monsleur," said she, 'T do not wish Ia
incur blame, You must fulfill your in
Lstructions"