Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1898-10-14
CHAPTER K.
AN DIN FpIENp

CHAPTER K.
AN OLD FRIEND.
was not the man to neglect Su1ly's
warning, and, besides, there was an
added reason for being careful of dark
corners, as both zamet and Latin knew
me, and were unlikely to lose any op-
portunity Of doing me harm that might
come their way. Icould do nothing but
wait and exercise patience until the
month was over, and 1t was a hard
enough task. Beyond my daily visits to
my ordinary, l went nowhere and saw
no one. l occasionally, of course, met
my landlord and his wife; but few words
passed between US, and jacques had be-
come marvelously taciturn, so that
was alone as if were in desert in that
vast city, where the roar of the DAVIS
traffic and the hum Of voices seemed to
Hbrate through and possess the stillest
hours OF the night. Doubtless there
were men of my acquaintance in Paris;
but l did not seek them, for the reasons
already stated, and lived as secluded a
life as though had taken the VOWS of
hermit.
In the meantime I was more than
anxious that Jacques should execute nv
plan in regard to Marie. That I felt
was a debt OF honor to myself: hut
though l tried the threat of dismissal
he refused to go point blank, and was
weak enough to allow him his way. It
was one Of the many instances in
which my frmness of temper failed,
but 1t Is not possible for man always
to keep his heart in a Milan corselet. ]
could not make out Sully's reasons for
his action. 1t seemed to me that he had
got all my information out of me, with
out pledging himself to anything in re.
turn, and that he held me as safely as
cat does wounded mouse. To save
my own skin by quitting Paris was a
thought can honestly aver that neve,
came to me. 1t could not with the all.
pervading presence of my love for ma.
dame. 1t was for her sake was here,
and for her sake would go cheerfully
to the block if need be; but it would
not be without try to save her, and II
the worst came to the worst should
let all France know the infamy of he,
king.
My doubts in regard to madame'a
safety were set at rest about three
weeks after my interview with Sully,
One evening Pantin knocked at my
door, and, on my bidding him enter,
came in with many apologies for dis
turbing me.
"But, chevalier," he added, IT have
news that monsieur will no doubt be
glad to hear"
"Then let US have 1t, Maitre Pantin
for good news has been stranger tc
me for long"
ut is this: Our friend Palm arrive.
in Paris tomorrow or the day after"
sand stays here?"
No, for he comes in attendance or
Madame de la Bidache, and will doubt
less live at the Varenne."
half turned for moment to the win
dow to hide the expression of joy on my
face could not conceal otherwise
Were it daylight l might have been able
to see the trees in the gardens of the
Rue Varenne; but it was night, and the
stars showed nothing beyond the white
spectral outline of the Tour de Nesle
beyond the Malaquais.
Indeed, am glad to hear this"
said, as looked round once more
Though Paris would be dull fo1
madame"
mot SO, monsieur, for the king come!
back tomorrow, and the gossips say
that before another fortnight is ou
there will be another maitresse en- titrt
at the Louvre. Cell How many O.
them there have been from poor L.
Fosseuse to the d'Estrees."
"Maitre Pantin, forget myself. Will
you help yourself to the FrontignacP'
"a hundred thanks, monsieur lie che
Waller. Is there any message for Palm
Poufl But I forget. What has hand
some young spark like you got in com
mon with an old graybeard? You viii
be at court In week, and they will al
be there, brighteyed d'Entragues
Mary Of Guise, Charlotte de Givry
| and"
'Maitre Pantin, these details of tn,
court do not interest me. Tell Palm
would see him as soon as he arrives
| Ask him as favor to come here. a,
| said you were discreet"
"And I know that monsieur lie cheval
Ter is likewise" With q quick move
ment of the hand the short, gray goate,
that Pantin wore vanished from hi
ohm, and there was before me not tn
face of the notary, but that Of Annette
She laughed out at the amaze In m,
look, but quickly changed her tone.
'Maitre Palm said you were to b
trusted utterly, monsieur, and you SCI
have done so. Your message will b,
safely delivered, and promise he will
see you-but have you not other?"
"None," l answered, little bitterly
II have, however, and it Is this,
and she placed In my hand q ittl'
TT}Rn ~