Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1895-04-13


bags. the dispatch boxes and the silver
chatting dish gave an air of comfort to this
part of the room. Walking up and down
III tho midst of these, debating a sentence
at every other turn, was Stephen Gardiner.
AS / entered the clerk looked up, hold
ing his pen suspended. His master. by a
quick nod, ordered him to proceed. Then,
signaling to me in a like silent fashion his
command that / should stand by the
hearth, the bishop resumed his task Of
composition.
For some minutes my interest in the
man, whom had now an opportunity of
scrutinizing unmarked and at my leisure
took up all my attention. He was at this
time close on 30, but looked, being still
tall and stout, full ten years younger. His
face, square and sallow, was indeed wrin-
killed. and lined; his eyes lay deep in his
head; his shoulders were beginning to
bend, the nape of his neck to become
prominent. He had lost an inch of his
full height. But his eyes still shone
brightly, nor did any trace of weakness
mar the stern character of his mouth or
the crafty wisdom of his brow. The face
was the face of a man austere, determined,
perhaps cruel; of a man who could both
think and act.
leisure first to wonder why l had been
sent for and then to admire the prodigious
number of books and papers which lay
about, more indeed than had ever seen
together in my life. From this passed tn
listening. idly mt first and with interest
aftCrwartl, 20 the letter which the chancCl-
lor was debating. 1t seemed from its
tenor to he a letter to some person in au-
thcrity, and presently one passage attract
cd my attention, so that l could afterward
recall il word for word.
Il do not think" the chancellor pro-
nounccd. speaking in sonorous voice
and the measured tone of one whose
thoughts lie perfectly arranged in his head,
that the Duchess katherine will ven
turc to take the step suggested rs possible.
Yet CllrCnco's report may bc of mono at.
Lot the house therefore I've watched il any
thing sayoring OF Eight he marked. and
take notice whether there lie n vessel in
the pool adapted 20 her purpose. \ vessel
trading 10 DunQuerquc would Be most
likely. Leave her husband till return,
when will deal with him rcundly.''
missed what followed. Ii was upon
another subject, and my thoughts Jagged
behind being wholly taken up with the
Duchess katherine and her fortunes.
wondered who she was, young or old, and
what this step could be she was said to
mediate, and what the iargon about the
pool and Dunquerluc meant. was still
thinking of this when / was aroused by
an abrupt silence, and looking up found
that the chancellor was bending over the
papers ON the table. The SECRETARY was
leaving the room.
As the door closed behind him Gardiner
rose from his stepping posture and came
slowly toward me, roll of papers in his
hand Now he said TRANQUILITY, seat
ing himself in an elbow chair which stood
iii front of the hearth. Il Will dispose of
your business. Master Cludde."
lie paused. looking az me in shrewd,
masterful way, much rs if thought at
the time, little knowing how near the
truth my fancy WENT were q beast he
was about TO buy. and then lie went en-.
II have sent for you. Master Francis" he
said dryly, fixing his piercing eyes on
mine because / think that this country
does not suit your health You conform,
but You conform with n bad grace, and
England is no longer the place for such.
You incite the commonalty against the
Queens allies. aud England Is not the