The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1898-01-16

Let the intent of tho letter he carried DO what
IL might, N; dc Fontclles. a gentleman Of cour-
He had not been at Dover, and knew nothing OF
what had passed there. If no were an instru-
mind OF those who employed him. lie came
openly to Hatchstead on an honorable mission,
as he conceived and bearing an invitation
which should give great qualification to tho
lady to whom II was addressed. Madame did
Mistress Quinton the high compliment of de-
ompense her well for tho service she asked.
Fontclles saw no moro and asked no more. In
perfect confidence and honesty he set about his
task. not imagining that no had been sent on
an crrand with which any man could repronch
him. or with u purpose thnt gave any the right
I'll Went" change this mood in him. When
he collected his thoughts. and recalled the incl
part, he saw in them the challenge of some ono
who had perhaps penetrated q state secret, and
WIS ill'afIScied toward the Kin ana the Kings
between Mistress Barbara and NJ. de PerTen.
court, he did not associate, the silly cry with
the object OF his present mission. Sc. also, on
hearing that n gentleman was at the inn Gar.
ford had not given his namcD. and had visited
the manor, he was in no way, disqnieted. but
without fearing their company or their scrutiny.
GSyly and sourtoonsly he presented himself
she received him %alone:in the room looking out
on tho terrace, With, q low bow and words of
cred to her the letter ho bore from madame,
making bold to add his own hopes that Mistress
OnlntOn wOulu not soma Dlln DICK unsuccessful,
but let him win tho praise of n trustworthy mes:
scngcr. Then he twirlcd his mustnchc, smiled
Eallantly, ana waited with al composuro while
she read the letter. Indeed. no dcscrre yes some
pity, for women are not wont to spend much
time on reasoning in such n case. When a IN an
comes on business which, they suspect. 10 be
evil, they make no ado about holding him n
party to 10, and that without inQulring whether
no knows the thing to which he is setting his
hand.
second time; then, without II word to Fontellcs.
summoned n servant, and despatched him to tho
Inn. to summon Carford to her. She spoke low,
were again alone together, barbara walked to
the window, and stood there looking out. fon.
tolles' growing puzzled puzzle z nj and Ill at case Sc waited Sr.si
her check was reddencd, and her eyes were in
"T trust, madame" said he, that i may carry
the fairGst Of answers back With mel, ,,,.
turninms" to him" him with t"s scornful I'll SeH'''
he answered bowinE. Your coming would DO
the answer best pleasing to madame, and the
best f~ulfllmcnt Of my eTrand."
She looked at him coolly for a moment or two.
and then said:
II have sent for a gentleman who will ad'
NJ. dc Fontellcs raised his brows and an
swcrcd somewhat stitly:
.'You arc free. madame. to consult whom you
will. although 1 had hoped that tho matter
needed but little consideration
She turned fun on him in u fury.
~ thank you for your Judgment Of me, SIR"
she h sE ! h %of ,h f. It ict that you think mo a fool to
Before heaven" began tho puzzled gen.
tleman.
court"
'S'Ycs, that's true. God help me. that's true.
But we are not at court now, sir. Hasn't it
NAV be dangerOuSi'
Il had not thought it, = said he. with a smile
the dsnEer.n -
Fontclles flushed.
"a lady. madame. may say what she pleases,' -
he remarked with a bow.
we .o shss eRO onan Of PreteneoS'" she cried. "shall
with all my heart. madame said he, lost
between anger and bewildcrment:
speak. but the shame. of open speech was too
great for her. In his ignorance and wonder he
could do nothing to ala her: .,u
mans part to tell you tho truth and to ask nc
count from YOU; wont soil ny, lips with il"
how he could assuage a fury that he did not
"As God lives he began ~gravely. Barbara
81 pray YOU" she cried. Stand aside and
suffer me m, m to pass: ! vii mot not stay Longer nj 1o With !
Fontellcs. deeply offended. utterly at a loss.
flung the door open for her and stood aside to
"M&dame," he said. at must DO that you mis-
,"Misapprchcndi Yes. or apprcbcnd too
clcarly!'
AS I am n gentleman"
Il do not grant it, sir" she interrupted.
He was silent then; bowling again. he drew a
pace further back. She stood for a moment,
looking, scornfully ut hin. Then. with a cour-
leaving him in as sad n condition AS ever wo-
mans way left man since the world began.
Now. for reasons that have been set out, Car
fora received his summons with small pleasure.
and obeycd it SO leisurcly that NJ. de Fontelles
had more time than enough in which to rack his
taunts. Yet he came no nearer the truth, and
was reduced to staring idly out of window till
the. gentleman who was to make the matter
ing up to the house on foot, slowly and heavily,
with n gloomy face and n nervous air. Fon-
t tnnSr uttered rarfor, an 1r eYc = friun9s OF loy woh ne had ,mt
him right with this hasty damsel who denied
him even the chance of self.dcfence. He was
ton to the Duke OF Monmouth. Carford was in
reality of the French party. So he was about
torun, out and welcome him. when his steps were
stayed by the sight of Mistress Barbara herself.
who flew to meet the newcomer with every sign
of cagerness. Carford salutcd her, ard the pair
entered into congregation on the terrace, Fon-
tclles watching tfem from the window. To his
fresh amazcmcnty tho interview seemed hardly
less fierce than his own had been. The lady mp
which the adviser was lUath TO take; she in
sisted; growing angry In manners; he. having
fenced for awhile and protested, sullenly, gave
way; he bowed acquicsccnco while his de-
mcanor asserted disapproval; she made moth
Ing Of his disapproval and received his acquics.
passed on to the house; Barbara did not follow
him, but, finging herself on n marble seat, COW
cred her face with her hands and remained
there in an attitude which spoke of deep agita.
ton and misery.
ITO be c~ontinued.)