Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-06-26


I'VE have ever accounted 1t the greatest
misfortune of our line that he should have
died mysteriously here, peace be to his
soul"
Not SO mysteriously. madam. but that
there were shrewd gueSseS concern
ing his malady.'
That is true, my lord" replied the coun-
tess, simply. ut was supposed that in his
camp upon the low lands by the river he
contracted fever from which he died"
My journey by the MoselIe has been of
the briefest. 1 trust therefore, 1 have not
within me the seeds of his fatal distemper."
Il most devoutly echo that trust. my lord,
and pray that God. who watches over us
all, may guard your health while sojourn-
ing here"
Forgive me- madam.if within the shadow
Of these walls / say Amen to your prayer
with some emphasis.
The Countess Laurette contented herself
with bowling low and humbly crossing her
self. making no verbal reply to his lord
ships remark. She then besought the arch
bishop to dtsmount saying something of
his need of rest and refreshment begging
him to allow her to be his guide to the
Ritter Salle.
When the archbishop reached the topmost
step that led to the castle door. he cast an
eye not devoid of anxiety. over the court
yard to see how his following had Jared.
The gates were now fast closed and 40
horses were ranged with their tails to the
wall and silent riders their saddles.
Rapid as was his glance. 1t showed him his
guard huddled together in the center of
the court, his own black charger with
empty saddle the only living thing among
them that showed no signs of dismay.
Between two of the hostile horsemen stood
his captain. with doublet torn and his head
gear awry. evidently discounted prisoner.
The archbishop entered the gloomy castle
with a sense of defeat Juggling down his
heart to lower lever than he had ever
known 1t to reach before. for in days gone
by. when fate had seemed to press against
hi no had tn pn toll Of hat 10 pv,d
had felt an exultation in rallying his half
discouraged followers. who had never fall
ed to respond to the call of a born leader
Of men. But here he had to encounter
silence, with semi-darkness over his head,
cold stone under foot and round him the
unaccustomed hiss of womens skirts.
The countess conducted her guest through
the lofty knights hail. in which his lord
ship saw preparations for a banquet going
forward. An arched passage led them to a
small room that seemed to be within
turret hanging over precipice, as If 1t
were eagles nest. This room gave an
admirable and extended view over the
winding Mosele and much of the surround
irg country. On table were fiagons of
wine and empty cups, together with some
light rejection. upon all Of which the arch
bishop looked with suspicious eye. He did
not forget the rumored poisoning Of his pre-
decessor in office. The countess asked him,
with Difference, to seat himself; then pour
ing out cup of wine she bowed to him
and drank it. Turning to rinse the cup in u
basin of water which serving woman
held. she was interrupted by her guest.
trace of gallantry.
Il beg of you, madame" said the arch
bishop rising and taking the unwashed cup
from her hand, he filled 1t with wine.
house. Then. motioning her to a chair he
said. seating himself: Countess Won
Starkenburg, am man more used to the
uncouth rigor Of a camp than the dainty
etiquette of ladys boudoir; forgive me
then. if ask you plainly, as a plain man
may; why you hold me prisoner in your
Prisoner my lord" echoed the lady
with eyebrows raised in amazement, how
Ill are we served by our underlings II such
a thought has been conveyed to your lord
sh1ps mind l asked them to invite. yo,
hither with such Difference as a yassal
should hold toward all overload. I am
grievously distressed to learn that my com
mands have been so Ill obeyed."
Your commands were faithfully follow
cd madame, and l make complaint re-
gardin8 lack of Difference, but when two
score armed men carry a respectful invita-
tien to ore having bare dozen at his
back, then all option vanishes and compul-
sion takes Its place."
My lord. handful of men were fit
enough escort for a neighboring baron did
he visit u.s. but for prince of the church
all my retainers are but scanty acknow-
ledgment of vassaPs regard. 1 would
they had been 10000 to do you seemIy
homer
Il am easily satisfied madame, and had
they been fewer 1 might have missed this
charming outlook. 1 am to understand
then that you have no demands to make of
me. and that / am free TO depart accom-
panied by your good Wishes"
with my good wishes now and always.
surely, my lord. l have no demands to
make; the word i'll BELTS the lips of a hum.
BILE vassal, but being here"
"Ah! But being here-"interrupted the
archbishop. glancing keenly at her.
Il have favor to beg of YOU I wish to
ask permission to build a castle on the
heights above Trarbach for my SON.
The Count Johann third of the name?..
me same, my lord, who is honored by
your loTdship's remembrance of him."
And you wish to place this stronghold
between your castle of Starkenburg and
my town of Treves? Were / q Suspicious
man. l might imagine you had some dis
trust of me-
Not so. my lord. The Count Johann
will hold the castle in your defense"
Il have ever been accustomed TO look to
my own Defense" said the archbishop.
dryly. adding. - II it were an after