Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1895-08-10
difficulties, I dismissed the matter from

/
so brief and formal-and SO needless
for was on the point of starting-ha6
not reached me for years; and coming
at this moment when l had no reason
to expect reverse of fortune, it had
all the effect of thunderbolt in g
clear Sky. l stood stunned, the words
which was debating to nv secretary
dying on my lips. For knew the king
too well, and had experienced his kind.
ness too lately to attribute the harsh.
ness of the order to chance or forget.
fulness; and, assured in a moment that
stood face to face with a grave crisis,
found myself hard put to it to hide
my feelings from those about me.
Nevertheless, did SO with an effort;
and, sending for the courier, asked him
with an assumption of carelessncss
what was the latest news at court. His
answer, in measure, Gained my fears,
though it could not remove them. He
reported that the queen had been taken
ill-or so the rumor went.
Suddenly" said.
This morning" he answered.
IS Mig NdS WIN nerI
eyes, your exceuercy."
Had he left her long when he sent
this letter?'
at came from her chamber, your ex-
cellency."
"But-did you understand that her
majesty was in danger?" urged.
AS to that, however, the man could
n 7 LEA @-
nurse my conjectures during the long
ride to Fontaineblcau, where we ar-
rived in the cool of the even
| ing, the last stage through the forest
awakening memories of past pleasure
that combated in vain the disorder and
apprehension which held my spirits
Dismounting in the dusk at the door Of
Lily apartments, l found fresh sur
prise awaiting me in the shape of NJ. Dc
Concini. the italian, who, advancing
to meet me before my foot was out of
the stirrup. announced that he came
from the king, who desired my instant
attendance in the queens closet.
Knowing Concini to be one Of those
whose influence with her majesty had
more than once tempted the king to
the most violent measures against her
from which l had with difficulty dis
suaded him-I augured the worst from
the choice of such a messenger; and
wounded alike in my pride and the
affection in which l held the king.
could scarcely find words in which to
ask him if the queen was i'll.
tkJr,itc,>@c,1 I,
carelcssly. And he began to whistle.
told him that would remove my
boots and brush off the dust, and in
five minutes be at his service.
Pardon me-" he said, my orders
are strict, and they are to request you
to attend his majesty Immediately. He
expected you an hour ago"
was thunderstrNck at this-at the
message, and ut the mans manner;
and for moment could scarcely re-
strain my Indignation. Fortunately
the habit of self-control came to my
aid in time, and l reflected that an
alteration with such a person could
only lower my dignity. l contentcd
myself, therefore, with signifying my
assent by nod, and followed him
toward the queens apartments.
In the ante-chamber were several
persons, who, as l passed, salutcd me
with an air of shyness and incertitude
which was enough of itself to put me on
my guard. Concini attended me to
the door of the chamber; there
he fell back, and Mile. Gaiigai,
who was in waitingA announced
me. l entered, assuming q serene
countenancc, and found the king and
queen together, no other person being
present. The queen was lying at
length on n couch, while Henry. seated
on stool at her feet, seemed to be en-
gagged in soothing and reassuring her
On my entrance, he broke off and rose
to his feet
Here he is at last" he said, barely
looking at me. "Now, if you will, dear
heart, ask him your questions | have
you know, for | have been with you
since morning"
The queen, whose face was flushed
with fever, made fretful movement,
but did not answer.
''Do you wish me to ask him?" Henry
said with admirable patience.
If you think it is worth WHILE" she
muttcred, turning sullenly and cycling
mefrom the middle of her pillows with
disdain and ill-temper.
II will, then" he answered, and he
turned to me. IN. de Rosny," he said,
in formal tone, which even without
the unaccustomed monsieur cut me to
the heart, ''be good enough to tell the
queen how the key to my secret cipher,
which l intrusted to you. has come to
be in Nine. de Verneuils possession"
looked at him In the profoundest
astonishment, and for a moment re-
NAMED silent, trying to collect my
thoughts under this unexpected blow.
The queen saw my hesitation and
laughed spitefully. 81 am afraid, SIRE"
she said, ''that you have overrated this
gentleman's ingenuity, though doubt
less it has been much exercised in your
service"
Henry's face grew red with vexation.
"Speak, MANI he cried. "How came