New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-08-21
DOUBLE SKIES.

the FaubOurg 81. German OF inc TdIiS Vi A'"''
when Louis XIV reigned over France
The last "partie" Of picquet was over. and the
Due de St Ibars was the loser. Now ne mao
lost everything he was ruined.
lie had played his last card with the care
less serenity which distinguished HIM Every
thing had gone; the old chateau and the broad
lands Of his in far-oh Perigord. the ho'el
in Paris and his places at court; but nothing
could disturb the mask OF aristocratic languor
which sat so closely on his boyish features OF
render less steady the white hand which toyed
with the jewecd snunbox.
The older man opposite him who had been
his opponcnt had not shown such selfrestraint
The lust Of gain had bazed in his weary eyes
the loose sensual mouth had frightened and
grown more actively cruel. and a red fevei
epot Of excitement had CLEANED on each sallow
check. Now. as he leaned back In his chaii
furtivey CHANGING at the other he was fain tf
pretend sudden interest in the torn lace OF his
wrist-rufIle to hide the snecring smile which
niokercd on his face.
Yet it was necessary that nc should hc able
to think clearly and speak calmly, for th'
great stroke fo- which all that had gone be
fore had been but n preparation, had yet to To
played He would gladly have postponed it
uui ii Sutlt instinct NdiIi'-i 'H"' NV 49,
Of his success was at food. and tina; to-
morrow might be too late. The Marquis d.
Nantes was no coward, ne was srurred by Tho
strongest passion hs nature was caIabe o.
feeling but he was afraid Of the bcggaret
younestcr opposite him.
"You do not wish t. so on'' he asked
Il have moth ng to stake. NJ le Marquis Wa:
thu answer not even a chateau . Spain"
Tb, I,. smiled
you WILL" he said "as you will. onl,
thourhi'- a spot Of had fallen on th'
card table. and he was scoring pattern on +
with his hnf,rnail His throat moved once
twice. thrice as II ho was swallowing some
thing with difficulty. Their h spok, wi,hou
locking up.
You have still something t. stake" he said
Il VIII play you for Madame la Huchcssc- youi
wife"
There was "A sound like a s,iacl oath. and III.
speaker pushed back his chair befor. he vent
urcd to look W The duke seemed s,rurrlinp
with some inward emotion for hc held har,
before ms facc Then ho began 70 laugh. ant
IL his laughter there was no sound q, mcrri
ment, hui rather o"niouItuous mockcr,
which would have made most men long {,
sir.k: him Of The meath But Il, Nanio'
seemed r,ActcG that thor. Vas no outbreak q
violence. and waited quietly for hlu a. speak.
"A thousand pardons marquis" 81 berS saio
presently. nut you IDEAS so droll Has youi
confcssor cn.olr.d you 10 make love to ne lady
wiihou; the consent q. her husband or do you
really imagine ina, such consent would be any
accommodation 20 hcf favor?
"Oh you altogether nilstak, me-" was The
reply Il wish To- make Ter ny wife ! an no
f,,L ,.J - 1 Il IA.
fon 81 a farmer general ca1 l., UNREASONABLE
enough to love ny wife better than my nnstres'
~ choose. So. OF my part. Will stake all
have won from you. and your stake shall be
your life. II win. you promise to kiE yourscl
within the next twelve hour. Well
A smile was still. on the dukes face AZ h'
listened But the conversation beginning
10 weary him "a suspicion that the man wa'
mad was gathering force IN his mind. moreover
the futur. had a. bc faced and he must he alone
70 face t. So Of set purpose. he contracted his
brows with frown and spoke with bru'a
ONENESS which contrastcd strongly with hi:
usual manner:
81 think. marquis. you presume on the !ac'
that am your host, and that you rightly i'm
acnc me to be the last man In France 10 make
myself ridiculous 10y fighting about my wife
Eut suIUos4ng me out OF the way how much
nearer viii you 10? She VIII still! be "A De Bron
md YOU al am afraid do not know the house
which has the honor Of having you as cadet
DO your
II the Marquis dc Nantes felt the insult. he
made sign
"You refuse" he said co!dly. well your life
r. sin worth something to you suppose. Only
remember that was ready to take the risk
you rate your powers OF fascination highly
was the snccrinf answer.
Z 40 For In, q