The times., 1897-04-05
%as PembersoA.

Louis! / would like to have a cellar full
of such water as that"
He tasted the draueht as he spoke and
smacked his lips over it as though it had
been delicious nectar. The Able, stag
geTed at the action, was silent for sonic
moments: but after rause he took the
cup up in his hands, and did that which
was rare thing for him to do-he lost
his temper.
my SON. he asked, you declare that
to be the VINE of Burgundy?"
Most certainly replied the stranger,
.most admirable wine
Then / pray you drink it, exclaimed
the Abbe-and at the invitation he threw
the contents of his goblet into the new
comer's face.
1t was a deserved retort, perhaps; but
the miserable cure, had he foreseen that
which was to follow, would have cut off
his right hand rather than allow his tenn
per to carry him so far. Scarce was the
thing done when cry of horror burst
from the company about the table. Fifty
hands were raised as if TO strike the
cowing priest. Threats, execrations, re-
monstrances were hurled at him until
his head buzzed with the clamor The
stranger, alone, appeared to he unmoved
He wiped his face with a handkerchief OF
lace; and then turned to the Corsican
at his elbow.
II am sorry" said he, ''but / must
ask you to arrest Monseigneur, the Bishop
OF Rlois You will take him to his room
and keep him there until my pleasure
be known
Your Majesty is obeyed,'' was the
answer.
There was a great silence in the place
now; and it lasted while the Corsicaa
stepped forward and bade the quaking
priest to follow him. AS for the Able,
he was like one petrified.
Great heavenl' he moaned, when they
led him from the room, lit is the king
who speaks. And have thrown my wine
in his face. God help me, for my day has
surely come
All else was forgotten In this; the
visions of the night, his purpose in riding
to Paris, even the offenses of little Cor
inne gave place to the tremendous fear
which his folly had brought upon him.
He saw it all now-mystery no longer per
pick ed him. The masqueradein in the woods,
the horrible apparition, the flashing of
the crimson fire-what was il all bnt the
work Of the testers at the palace of st
Cloud? They had gone out to seek whom
they could devour, and they had lighted
upon the cure of Yvette he said. Then
the king-he had heard of their pastinle
and had come to witness its consumma-
tion. And thus had the preparation OF
crime so terrible been brought about.
Nothing, not even religion, was held IS
sacred in that year, 1853, as the body
of the king. The Able knew fun well that
unless mercy were shown TO him, tie
might spend the remaining years of his
life in the bastile Men had come TO such
a punishment for mere words-but 10
throw a goblet of wine in his majeStys
facet The very memory Of his Offending
compelled him to shudder like one who
was already doomed. The Corsican Off
Ger had led him to q bedroom now,
pretty room, lighted by many wax cam
dies. and furnished with all the taste
characterizing period so tasteful. 1t was
a long apartment with a cabinet giving
off it-and the Able observed in this
smaller chamber a supper table, decked
prettily with lighted candles and flowers.
For this. however, he had no appreciating
eyes. he leu dl lHt IiOIituU dc tiiouSH
he could never eat again. Foreboding real
and stern, had set his nerves itching.
BE began to question his conductor, hop
ing for some little word of comfort
Monsieur" he said, with pitiable anx-
iety, Il beg you to tell me-whose house
is this and where does it lie?"
Readily answered the young officer.
This is the pavilion of Nine. Doublet de
PERSIAN The villagers call it the House Of
the Scarlet Witch l regret, monseigneur,
that your first acquaintance of / should
be made so unpropitiously. st. Denis! who
would have thought that his majesty was
unknown to your
God help me- answered the Abbe, 81
never saw him but once, monsieur, and then
it was from a bench in the Place Louis
Quinze. Oh, surely, he willremember that!'
The Corsican shook his head, implying
that he doubted.
my lord bishop" said he, 81 am but
very humble servant of his ma jesty, and
heaven forbid that should anticipate his
decision If you have friends, however,