The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-05-07

themselves TO watch. as from the audi
torium of theater, the changing scene
and the reigning terror OF their rulers.
Dismounting at a side entrance, Count
de Velasco gave his horse to a soldier.
and, accompanied by Manrique. passed
quickly into the great hall of the pal
ace-that noble chamber where, eleven
short years before, Charles V. made his
famous abdication on behalf of Philip.
Now the members of the States-General
occupied it.
The Count, hearing that doubt and
uncertainty still held the Regents
heart, pushed forward. with Manrique
at his heels; threaded his way through
sundry corridors, across a large apart
ment or two-all empty save for scared
conclaves OF lacqueys - and then
knocked at certain door.
1t was Dorothea, Countess de Miranda
herself, who welcomed him; and Man
rique smiled Within his helm to see a
fair lady of the Castilian type-the land
he loved best in the world.
She was n dark beauty, but fear.
though it frightened her eyes, had not
dimmed the luster of her sun-kissed
cheek. She cnme forward, and Count
Velasco, llunging without delay into
the matter, explained that Manrique
was willing to bear the ''Red Dragon"
TO Mons.
"Then il is WE'LL" said she, "and / rate
his valor high; for all men know the
King hath crowned Manrique with
laurel and made him free of steel. Yet
perceive his mail is not rusted. and be-
comes him handsomely. Truly, Man
riquc, the Count, my husband-a name
not unknown to thee-shall reward
thee we'll"
Madame" said the old soldier, she
that serves the Count is not i'll paid il
he hear but his mistress voice in
thanks. And now pray that / may
address certain words 70 thy ear alone;
for"
ST want not thv secret, Manrique,f
said the lady, abruptly. "It is enough
that you undertake the sharge."
"Nay, gracious madame, nor am
like 10 impart what the king himself
has suffered me 20 keep hidden from
all men. But as upon the occasion OF
my mission with the Cardinals dis
patch, / left to one man full directions
how to act under certain circumstances,
so now / would leave the like for the
better safety of this great diamond"
Thereupon Count Gle Vclasco left tie
apartment, and, save for two chamber
women who stood at the further ex-
90 a hax hot a.
soldier found himself alone with his
new mistress. Then the Countess
spoke:
"Manrique, thou art, as / think,
Castilian, and in this plaguey land OF
eternal rain and eternal heresies tbs
sweet to see those of that"
Madame, you may trust me with
your life"
''But this Is far greater thing"
''Then first the measure of precau-
tion 1 named. May il please your maid
ems 10 place ink, quill and paper be-
fore me. and I will set down form of
words only 10 be read by thee shouldst
thou hear have not reached Mons"
Writing materials were furnished
him, and the Countess was amazed 10
see the man had made no idle boas.
when he said that ne could write. la.
boriously he penned line or two. then
sealed the packet with wax, and hand
ed Ii 10 Donna Dorothea.
"If 4 come not 10 thy lord at Mons.
break up this, madame but should I
reach the Count in safety, then would
have YOU hurn 70 unread"
sne promised TO obey. ana at the
came time Velasco returned.
"The seigneurs will strive with her
Grace" he announced. "and urge her
by all holy things 10 abandon her con
tenp!ated departure and remain In
Brussels. President Viglius hath an
nounced that the citizens hold the seven
gates. The old mans knees shake in
his robe of Office, and he weeps amber.
like n sea-fowl."
"Mayhap tho silver tongue OF Orange
will gate her Grnce'a first intention
said the Countess; but Nelasco shoot.
his head.
"Bui!d not upon IT," he said. "Any
moment may see the court upon its
way 10 Mons. Meanwhile the Red
Dragon of the Mirnndos must quit
Brussels ere evil betide. The rcspon-
Eibility IS OF my shoulders. and would
it were not so. You trust Manriquc,
ladyY'.
'Ay. seigneur: for his heart first
beat In CASTLE: his eyes have mirrored