Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1898-07-12

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other such dainties-"
which said we were made Of charming
archness."
NAY, that wrongs the lovely sister
hood; it's rather we who have to sigh.
though manhood forbids tears; while
doubt and fear become our perpetual
portion, till our lady deigns to smile on
u.s."
Jeanne could not help laughing.
81 had not thought you gave way to
sentiment, my lord; fancied only wo-
men and poets INDUCED In such pas
times
He looked at her with passionate adj
miration.
docs not your heart, dear lady, tell
you another tale?" His voice was so
very low that Anne could not possibly
overhear him. Il will not believe that
so fair a form can enshrine cruel
heart. 1t is, believe, your joyous
freedom from loves torments that
makes you so unwilling Of the wounds
you have dealt"
His eyes were full Of pathetic en-
treaty, and the girl found herself per-
picked how to answer.
1t was a relief when Mariette brought
in a second dish of food, the pullet
Jeanne had mentioned, larded and
stuffed till it was the size Of capon
Laval carved her choice morsel
with his dagger, and presently ne
pressed Jeanne to drink q cup OF Nal
voisie, but she refused.
"And now i wait for my answer" he
11rry IN
wounded to the death as l am, l have
no power wherewith to conjure an an
swer; l can but wait the sovereign
pleasure Of my queen.
Monsieur mocks mel" Jeanne said
briskly. "He knows we'll enough there
is but one queen In France, our good
and holy Queen Claude. When l go to
Ambose, hope TO see that noble lady;
my sainted mother In her youth was
one of Queen Anne's maids, and she
held Princess Claude in her arms when
she was but a babe Tell me, mon
sieur, when shall 1 go to Amboise?"
He was looking ardently at her; it
seemed to him that he had never be-
fore realized her extreme charm of face
and figure; but, in truth, the quiet rest
at st. Feriol had greatly refreshed
the girl. She had travelled so constant
ly since she quilted Longuedec that IA
tigue, as well as the shock that had
met her at Laval, had told on her ap
pearance. Now, as he looked at her
lovely face with that rarely delicate
skim more often matched with blue
eyes and fair locks than with such deep
grey liquid eyes as Jeanne's, and such
rich glow. of auburn hair, it seemed
to him that her beauty was perfect.
Her charm stirred his blood; for the
time he forgot her wealth. AS she
talked and smiled, tinge OF bloom
Showed on her clear colourless skin.
She reminded him of faintly-tinted
blush rose; but alas! he told himself,
she shared another attribute of the
| flower: he feared she had thorns for an
unwary touch.
"And I grieve that you should wish
for Court pastimes and pleasures; but
| must do your sovereign bidding; full
we'll I know, at Amboise there will be
others who will sun themselves IN your
smiles, and who will try to win your
favour; though, dear lady, none can
offer you a truer devotion" The fec-
YOUR in his voice, the glsten in his
eyes, were real, and they troubled
Jeanne; 1t was shock to her that all
| unwittingly she had won the love Of
this brave, handsome young soldier.
She supposed that she would be expect
ed to give hers In return, but she felt
no answering throb of affection. She
had greatly overcome her prejudice
against Laval-unless, indeed (and she
now felt ashamed of the suspicion), he
was trying to capture the Constable
but she did not want husband She
knew she could not marry again for
some time to come; why. then, should
she be again fettered by a betrothaio
She was free, and she resolved to keep
her freedom as long as she could.
II have told you, my lord, that my
reason for going to Amboise is not be-
cause | wish for Court pleasures; I go
to see my cousin, Madame de Chateau
BRAND"
"a very fair and sufficient reason;
the beautiful Countess has many de-
mands on her time, and many favorites;
yet without question, she win gladly
welcome so fair a relative; l doubt,
however if she can interest herself
much on your behalf"
Jeanne looked saucily at him.
What do you mean?" she said gaily.
II believe you men are all jealous of my
lovely FRANCHISE; l have been told she
possesses great interest at Court"
Doubtless" he interjected.
Are you Jealous of her? ROLAND de
la Touche-I mean the Vicomte dor
bec''-she spoke more gravely-7" spoke
just as you did; l believe he was vexed
with me for loving her.
A sombre cloud darkened her COM
panion's face; his eyes narrowed, till
suddenly their cruel glitter reminded
the girl Of the fear with which they had
filled her in the chapel at Longuedec
Her clear, truthful eyes betrayed her
fear; he forced a smile and said care
lessly:
Ma fol, madame, the Vicomte dor
bee is brave soldier, but he knows
mere Of the camp, fancy, than he does
of the Court and it's polished ways"
Jeanne saw slight sheer which he had
| not meant to show. Has he found his
way to the FTeur de Lys? You speak,
madame, as though you had lately talk
ed with him"
Jeanne's blood was fired; his tone of
authority annoyed her.
mo, monsieur; l only wish he had
come to enliven my solitude; he is my
Oldest, my best friend"
She did not choose to tell Laval how
completely ROLAND had deserted her;
bo roo1i1od +bo5 -bo Co,r. 80