Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1894-03-22
CHAPTER NJ,
The MetamorphOse.

1AC -hSlel11iOA pAOSe.
Candles was ushered into a large
rom hung with sombre tapestries. and
only lighted by a single lamp. Over
the chimney-piece hung the portrait of
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, I 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 Will YOU
now add to this goodness, showing that
you are aware of my presence, and
ready to hear me-"
\ slight movement was visible
through the curtains and a haIf-stif1ed
voice, said. Speak, sir, I listen
Her majesty" continued Candles.
sends me to assure your highness of
her desire to continue in amicable re-
laticns with you
Monsieur" replied the voice, do not
esty and the house of Condo. We have
proofs to the contrary in the dungeons
Of Vincennes. However, sir. what do
you desire?"
Il wish nothing, madam; it is her
Majesty who desired me to enter this
castle that [ may, however unworthy
to consOrt with your highness, con-
tT,ih wit oil 70 l.
fish the harmony which has been
broken"
And while waiting for this restora-
ton of harmony, tho 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 to obey. Have me
turned out by your servants, or kill
me- ty your officers; place me in front
of those to whom I 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 subject-you, who are
placed so high, by birth, merit, and
misfortune"
The Occupier of the bed, half raised
herself in her agitation. and said,
eagerly, God forbid, sir, that 1 should
insult so brave a gentleman. No NJ. de
Candles, I retract my words; they
We're wrong, I confess; I did not mean
lier NJ. le Baron, and T do you full
justicev'
It was but for a minute that the
speaker leaned forward, but Candles
had advanced nearer, and distin-
guished in that minute, with beating
heart, a white forehead, surrounded
with long golden hair, rosy lips, and
soft eyes. In the princess be-
fore him, he recognized the
Vicomte de Cambes. He re-
NAMED, fascinated, frightened, and al
most equally anxious as herself to es
cape detection, as he thought of his
former freedom to so great a princess.
But suddenly a thought struck him
how could so great a princess travel
with only one attendant?-and at the
same instant his eye fell on the por-
trait. Almost involuntarily he stepped
nearer to examine it.
At this movement a stif1ed cry came
from the bed, and the face was still
more carefully covered. "Oh," thought
Candles, "either it was the princess
that I met, or they are trying to de-
ceive me now and it is not the princess
in that bed" He determined, if pos
sible, to find out; so turning toward
the bed, he said, II am, however,
forced to tell your highness that, how
ever disagreeable 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
indignity.'
81 have told your highness that such
are my. Instructions; but reassure your
self; your highness knows that know
how to bow to the prayer Of lady"
ST." cried the lady, in an embarrassed
tone, 81 do not know what you mean"
Madam" continued the baron, ST
thought my name had been mentioned
to you. I am the Baron de Candles"
"Well, and what then, sir?'
IT thought that having already had
the honor of being agreeable to your
highness-"
"How so, sir?" said a voice, whose
half frightened, half irritated tones
rested in Candles memory.
He thought he had gone far enough,
so he said, "By not executing my in
structions to the letter"
The princess appeared treasured.
Monsieur" said she, "I do not wish to
incur blame, you must fulfill your in
structions."
Madam" replied Candles, II am
still ignorant how to prosecute a wom-
an still Z ore. how to offend a prin-
cess Deign to give me your word
that you will not leave Chantilly with
out telling me, and [ will deliver you
from my presence"
IN. de Candles, I swear to you that
I will not leave Chantilly without in
forming YOU
In that case, madam" said Candles,
bowling low, II will leave your high
ness. and pray you to pardon me for
the involuntary annoyance that I have
caused you"
81 thank you, baron said the lady
in q iovf11I tono sand Tomorrow T Sha II