The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1897-06-27

through the lofty knights hall, in which
his lordship saw preparations for
banquet going forward. An arched pass
age led them to a small room that
seemed to be within a turret hanging
over precipice, as if it were an eagles
nest. This room gave an admirable and
extended view over the winding MoseTle
and much of the surrounding country.
On table were 1agOns of wine and
empty cups, together with some light re-
lection, upon all of which the archbish-
op looked with suspicious eye. He did
not forget the rumOred poisoning of his
predecessor in office. The countess
asked him, with Difference, to seat him
self; then pouring out a cup of wine she
bowed TO him and drank it, Turning to
rinse the cup in a basin of water which
serving woman held, she was inter
rupted by her guest, who now, for the
first time, showed a trace Of gallantry.
Il beg of you, madame" said the arch
bishop, rising and taking the unwashed
cup from her hand, he filed it with
wine, drinking prosperity to herself and
her house. Then, mOtioning her to a
chair, he said, seating himself: Count
ess Won Starkenburg, / am a man more
used. to the uncouth rigOr of a camp
than the dainty etiquette of a ady's
boudoir; forgive me, then, if / ask you
plainly, as a plain man may, why you
hold me prisoner in your castle"
Prisoner, my lord echoed the lady
with eyebrows raised in amazement.
How i'll are we served by our IN
derlings if such a thought has been con-
veyed to your lordship's mind. | asked
them to invite you hither with such
Difference as a vasSal should hold to-
ward an overload. | am generally dis
tressed to learn that my commands have
been so i'll obeyed.'
'You' commands were faithfully fol-
lowed, madame, and make 20 complaint
regarding lack OF Difference, but when
two-score armed men carry a respect
fl. invitation to one having a bare dozen
at his back, then all option vaaishes and
cumpulsicn takes its place.
! My lord, handful of men were fit
enough escort for a neighbOring baron
did he visit us, but for a prince of the
church all my retainers are but scanty
acknowledgment of a vassars regard. |
would they had been 10000 to do you
seemly honor"
Il am easily satisfied, madame, and
/: had they been fewer | might have missed
. this charming outlook. | am to under
I: stand then that you have no demands
10 make of me, and that | am free to
depart accompanied by your good wish
es."
: with my good wishes now and al
ways, surely, my lord. / have no de-
mands to make; the word i'll BELTS the
lips of humble vassal, but being
here"
"Ah! But being here" interrupted the
archbishop, glancing keenly at her.
Il have favor to beg of you. l wish
to ask permission to build a castle on
the heights above Trarbach for my SON"
THE Count Johann, third of the
name"
"The same, my lord, who is honored
by your lordship's remembrance of him. -
And you wish to place this stronghold
between your castle of Starkenburg and
my town Of Treyes? Were a suspicious
man, 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
dOuiuE, us IL IL were an 6IIGr-
thought, with the blessing of God upon
my poor efforts"
The faintest suspicion of a smile HOY
cred for an instant on the lips of the
countess that might have been likened
to the mOmentary passing Of a CLEAN
of sunshine over the placid waters of
the river far below, for she we'll knew,
as did all others, that it was the habit
of the fighting archbishop to smite stur-
Oily first and ask whatever blessing
might be needed on the blow afterwards,
The permission being given, what
follows?'
: THAT you will promise not to modest
me during the building nor afterward."
"a natural corollary. 'Twould be lit
tie worth to give permission and then
bring up 10000 men to disturb the build
ers. That granted, remains there any
thing more?'
Il fear trespass on your lordship's
patience, but this is now the end A
strong house is never built with a weak
purse. | do entreat your lordship to
, cause to be sent to me from your treas
ury in Treves 1000 pieces of gold, that
the castle may be worthy addition to
your province
The archbishop arose with scowl on
his face, and paced the narrow limits
OF the room like Gagged lion. The hot
anger mounted to his brow and red
dened it, but he strobe up ana down I'M
till he regained control of himself then
spoke with a touch of hardness in his
voice"
"a good fighter, madam, holds his
strongest reserves to the last. You have
called me a prince of the church and
such l am, but you fatter me, madam,
You rate me too high. The founder of
our church, when betrayed, was sold for
silver, and for lesser number of pieces
than you ask in gold"
! The lady, now standing, answered
nothing to this taunt, but the color flush
ed her pale cheeks.
II am then a prisoner, and you hold
me for ransom, but it will avail you lit
tie. You may close your gates and pr
vent my poor dozen of followers f.
amin h,1f nf .