Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-10-09

However, before Sir John could answer,
Mr.. Secretary Trumball rose in his place
and intervened. Il crave your Indulgence,
SIR he said, while, with your majesty's
permission, l call in the Duke of Shrews-
bury. who is in waiting"
I'm waiting?" said the king, in a voice
OF surprise; nor was the surprise con-
fined to him. Il thought that he was ill.,
Mr.. Secretary
He is SO ill, sir, as to be very unfit to
be abroad, the secretary answered. yet
ne came TO be in readiness, if your ma jesty
Eeeded him. Sir John Fenwick persisting
l ask your majcsty's indulgence while .
fetch him."
The king Nodded, but with a pine ned
ana dissatisfied face; and Sir William re-
tiring, in a moment returned with the duke
AT his entrance his majesty greeted him
dryly, and with a hint of dispIeasure in
his manner; thinking. probably, that this
savored too much of a coup de theatre a
thing he hated. But seeing the next in
slant, and before the secretary took his
seat, how i'll the duke looked his face he
trayed signs of disturbance; after which.
MS eyeEds dropping. 1t fell into the dull
and sphinx-like mold which 1t assumed
when he did not wish his thoughts to be
read by those about him.
That the dukes pallor and wretched ap-
pearance gave rise to suspicion in other
minds is equally certain; the more hardy
OF those present. such as my Lord MARI
borough and the admiral, being aware that
nothing short of guilt, and the immediate
prospect of detection, could so change
themselves. And while some felt kind of
admiration. as they conned and measured
the stupendous edifce of skillful deceit
which my lord had so long and perfectly
concealed behind a front of brass as to
take in all the world. others were already
busted with the effect it would have on the
party. and how this might be softened,
and that explained, and in a word another
man substituted with as little shock as
possible for this man. Nor were these emo
lions at all weakened when nv lord after
saluting the king took his seat, without
speaking or greeting the general gaze.
Now, SIR said the king, inpatientiy
when all was quiet again, 1.-The duke is
here. Proceed
Il WILL Sir John answered, with greater
hardness than he had yet used. Il have
simply to repeat to his face what / have
said behind his back; that on the 10th of
last June. in the evening. he met me at
Ashford in Kent. and gave me a ring and
a message, bidding me carry both with me
to st. Germans"
My lord looked slowly round the table:
then at Sir John. And 1t startled some to
see that he had compassion in his face
Sir JOHN he said, after as it seemed
Weighing the words he was about to speak,
you are in such position ii were bar
barous to Insult you. But you must needs
as you have accused me, before his ma
iesty and these gentlemen, hear me state,
also, before them, that there is not a word
of truth in what you say
Sir John stared al him and breathed hard
Mon Dieui' he exclaimed, at length, and
his voice sounded sincere.
Il was not at Ashford on the 10th of
June the duke continued with dignity.
or on any day in that month. / never saw
you there and / gave you no ring"
Mon Deur' Sir John muttered again.
and, his jaw fallen. he seemed to be un-
able to take his eyes off the other
Now 1t Is certain that whatever the ma
jority of those present thought of ths-and
the demeanor of the two men was so stead
fast that even Lord Marlborough's acumen
was at fault-the Kings main anxiety was
to be rid of the matter; and, with some
Impotence, he tried to put a stop to it at
this point. rs 1t worth while to carry this
farther, my lords?' he said. fretfully. I'VE
know our friends. We know our enemies
also. This is story pour rire and deserv-
ing only of contempt
But Sir John at that cried out, protest.
ing bitterly and fiercely and recalling the
kings promise. and the duke, being no less
rgent-though. some thought a little
| urseasonably for his own interests-that
the matter be sfted to the bottom the
king had no option but to let it go on.
Very WE'LL he said, ungraciously, IF he
Will have his witness. let him." And then
with one of those spirits of peevishness
which stood in strange contrast with his
wontei magnanimity, he added to the Duke
| of Shrewsbury, 1T is your own choice my
| lord. Don't blame me-
The 1uerulouS words bore a meaning
| which all recognized: and some at the table
Stdi >CA anu itSutiicu the now
| they should trim their sails in certain
event But nothing ever became the duke
better than the manner in which he re-
ceiyed that insinuation. BE it so, sir he
said with spirit. My choice and desire is
=, that Sir John have as full share of ius-
| tice as claim for myself. and as fair a
hearing. Less than that were inconsistent
with your majesty's prerogative and my
honor"
The kings only answer was a sulky and
careless nod. on which Sir William Trum-
ball, after whispering to the prisoner went
out. and. after brief delay which seemed
to many at the table long enough, returned
with Matthew Smith.
Chnnfer WV