Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1898-07-18
h WARD OF The KING.
KATHARINE S. MACOUOID,
Author of "Maisie Derrick" The Story
of Lois" Patty" Louisa" lat
the Red Glove" Miss Eyon
of Eyoncourt,' sc.
Copyright
Continued from Yesterdays Issue.)
CHAPTER XIV.
IN THE LITTLE ROOM


CHAPTER XIV.
IN THE LITTLE ROOM.
Jeanne sat still; one slender hand
was pressed tightly over her eyes; she
wanted to shut in the picture which
Hollands frank, tender gaze had lett.
1t seemed as if he still stood before her,
as though the ring Of that true, manly
voice still sounded in her ears. An,
how could she even for a moment
have found pleasure in listening to the
deceitful traitor, who had so long
blinded her to the perfidy he practiced?
She started and looked around her,
for a. portentous yawn made Itself
heard. Then a bench grated over the
floor of the eating room; there was d
stamping of feet, and Gaspard's voice
shouted loudly for the drawer.
This was the sound for which Laval
had waited. He cursed his Ill luck that
he had not come sooner He unlocked
and opened the door OF the closet
Jeanne started violently when he came
out of it and stood before her.
You may well look alarmed, mad
ame; your double dealing is discoV-
cred, you have been aiding and abet-
ting traitors to escape from the just
vengeance of the King. | should at
once give you up to justice, but that
have too soft a heart; my tenderness
for you makes me willing to screen
you from the fearful punishment dealt
to those who connive at the escape OF
conspirators" He paused; then IN
gentler voice: After all, consider
yours youthful folly; you must be my
wife. Jeanne and that as soon as may
be. | know no other way by which
can save you from the penalties OF the
law-such penalties She shuddered-
for so young and fair a criminal. 1t
fills me with horror to think what
might happen to you
Jeanne stood upright, her eyes bright
with scorn.
You coward, So you have been
mean enough to listen. But you are
too late; you cannot harm the noble
Prince: he has escaped beyond your
power to harm him.
Laval put his arm round her; IN
spite of her struggles he held her fast,
for with the other hand he had grasped
both hers so tightly that she could not
free them.
DO not cry out" he said quietly;
chat will bring Gaspard to help me,
for l must save you in spite OF your
self. Be reasonable. dear girl; no harm
shall happen 10 you" .
"Set me free. l will cry for help if
you hold me an instant longer
"No. you will not; if you do, go
away and leave you to Gaspard's ten
der mercies. You do not know him as
| do; his first act would be to force a
gag within those pretty teeth, not TO
speak of worse indignities. Now lis
ten. He paused, for, though he still
held her. he saw that his threat Of
Gaspard had checked her cry for help.
You cannot deny, sweet one, that you
have brought this on yourself | can
hardly believe that so fair and limo
cent a face has covered so much per-
fidy. In Justice you deserve the pun
ishment of traitor, and If leave you
here it must fail On you. But l will
take yol away with me, and place you
safely with the King. This time we
ride direct TO Lyons. Your friend Will
not return; my messenger Will tell
him that you and your women are on
the way TO Lyons to seek the King.
You wish for the royal protection, and
you shall have 1t as soon as may be-
Il can go to Lyons without you; l
have my own men TO escort me-" she
said defantly.
He shook his head at her. Then in
a caressing tone;
What has caused this change, my
dearest Jeanne? You have so long led
me to hope that in heart and soul you
were already mine that l have laid the
matter before the King. and he has
given his Royal consent 10 our mar
riage"
She wrenched her hands so violently
from his clasp that she nearly freed
herself.
You are lying" she cried out; you
know that you are lying."
Strong words from such sweet lipsi
They must pay the penalty"
He tried TO kiss her lips, but she
twisted so deftly that he only kissed
her ear. Passionate anger gave her
strength; she tore one hand from his
grasp. and struck at him with all her
force
'F'ie for shame! That way is for a
cat or a kitten. not for highborn
damsel," Jeanne still struggled with
all her strength. What, you will not
submit?" Then between his teeth he
said iercly: "By the Lord. you must
be taught behaviour"
He seized her by the shoulders, drag
ged her to the closet, and SO roughly
flung her in that her head struck
against the wall. and she sank in a
heap on the floor. Laval instantly
closed the door. locked it. and put the
key in his pocket.
"Pardieu. what a wild cat. So much
the better; 1t caves trouble" He smil-
ed unpleasantly. ST she RECEIVERS too
quickly. she must be tied hand and
foot. and we must for while gag her
pretty mouth. Gaspard I'll knows