The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-04-06
NOR KING, NOR COUNTRY.
Author Pierre His peopls.
m can sneak for those she loves.

an cxu speak lOi thosc SHc iO''S.
"Your majesty, he should have the
earldom promised him by Wolsley, and
his estates restored 10 him as he left
them"
The king laughed dryly.
"IIe might refuse the large earldom
as he scorned the little knighthood."
"If your majesty secured him estates
suitable to his rank he could have nc
reason TO refuse. He was solicitous
and firm then for his-his son-but
now!"
Her reply was as diplomatic and
suggestive as il was sincere, and
Charles loved such talents.
upon my soul, dear Mistress Falk-
ingham, love your cleverness," said
the king, "and I will go further, L"
He stopped and whispered in her ear
but she drew back in alright and anx.
iety.
"Oh, your majesty, your majesty"
she said, al had not thought" She
moved on distractedly, but he put out
his hand and stayed her.
"Ah, moment, sweetheart" he
said.
81 must go to the queen" she an,
swered hurriedly "Oh, your majes.
w, your majestyl" she repeated
"Would YOU ruin me?" Her eyes filled
with tears. Until the queen well
coined me here I have had nothing but
sorrow. / am friendlcss and alone"
"No, no." said Charles, kindly, mot
alone while Charles is king of Eng,
land"
II am little more than On orphan
here" she said, ''for my father is now
only a common soldier, your majesty,
and"
"a common soldier!" repeated
Charles little stiflly; they told me he
was gentleman of England doing
service in Italy"
"My father is in your majesty's
household guard" she answered. "Hc
was John Enderby--alas! none would
recognize him now as SUCH"
The king stared at her a moment.
ou--Atistress-you are John
Enderby's daughter?"
Her reply was scarcely above whis-
per.
Ellis only child, your majesty"
"Upon my soul! Upon my soul!"
was all Charles said for moment, and
then he added: ''Why did you not
speak before?'
"My father would not let me, your
majesty. He is only returned to Eng
land these few months"
'He is here to-?"
"To be near to me, your majesty"
The king bowed low over her hand.
Mistress Enderby," said he, frankly,
1--WE are honored by your presence in
this place. Tomorrow morning at
eleven your father shall come to us,
You are still but child in face" he
said; land yet-eh?"
81 am twenty-seven years DID," she
answered frankly.
"Quite old enough TO be a countess" !"
he said charmingly, "and young
enough to enjoy the honors thereof"
So saying he bowed again, and with
gracious smile dismissed her. She
went SO quickly that she did not sec
two gentlemen almost at her elbow as
she left the gallery. One of them was
Lord Rippingdale.
'Ha," said my lord, with wicked
smile, "a new violet In the kings gar
den!"
His companion turned on him
swiftly.
"My lord" said he, "this is the second
time to-day you have slandered this
lady"
The other lifted his eyebrows.
lis IL slander TO say that the king
finds a lady charming at any hour o.
the clock?" snid he.
Sir Richard slapped him across the
cheek with his glove.
IL take pleasant duty from John
Enderby's shoulders. my lord! ] will
meet you at your pleasure!"
The next morning ut sunrise Lord
Rippingdale declared with his last
breath that he did not know the lady
was John Enderby's daughter, and he
begged Sir Richard TO carry to Ender-
by an apology for oil past wrongs.
Sir Richard came in upon the king
at the moment that his majesty was
receiving John Enderby white.
headed old man, yet hale and strong,
and wearing the uniform of the kings
guard. The fire of Enderby's eye was
not quenched. The king advanced to-
wards him, and said:
"You are welcome to our court,
Squire Enderby. You have been alb,
sent too long. You will honor us to
accept n tardy justice - without
price," he added, in low tone.
'Your majesty" said Enderby, "for
me justice comes too late, but for my
child"
IAN earldom can never come too late
e-eh?" asked the king, smiling gayly.
For me, your majesty, all comes too
late except" his voice shook little
except the house where / was born"
Charles looked AT him grayely.
Upon my soul, Enderby," said he,
''you are q man 20 be envied. We will
not rob you of your good revenge on
our house, nor of your independence,