Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1898-11-24

The murderess made snatch at the
jewel. which I saw her conceal, and
then with mocking .Adieu. NJ. de
Mauginoti- to her victim, stepped over
my body and moved out of sight, swing
ing her lantern. and laughing low to
herself.
AS I watched this hideous scene.
for the moment forgot the pain of my
hurts: but they soon began to assert
themselves In such manner that J
Ionged for the relief that unconscious
ness would afford. So the long hours
of the night passed. and at last IL was
dawn once more. and morning came.
Lying with my car against the
ground, heard the dull beat of horses
hoofs, growing louder and more dis
tinct as they approached. and in q
little time the party. whoever they
were, rode into the cornfeld. For a
second my eyes were dazzled by the
reflection of the sun on the silver-plate
of their armor; but recovered myself
with an effort. and watched eagerly, in
tending to cry out for help as they
passed me, for my voice was too weak
to reach where they were. There were
two ladies amongst them. and all APP
peared TO be looking with much con-
Germ for some one. As they came closer.
saw it was the king himself. with
Nine. de Beaufort. and another lady.
doubtless Of the court. and a numerous
retinue. Henry was mounted on his
famous bay charger; and. as he lifted
his hat and looked silently around him.,
bad good opportunity Of observing the
man who was without doubt the most
heroic figure Of the age, and who united
in himself the most opposite extremes
of character. ! saw before me a spare
figure. the head covered with short
black hair. long hooked nose that fell
over the upper lip. and a sharp, pro-
truding chin. half hidden in beard
tinged with gray. His long cnrled
mustaches were white as snow. Under
his bushy eyebrows his keen. restless
eyes glittercd like two beads. but for
the moment they seemed dilated with
soft light. and there was an infinite
sadness in them as he looked round the
bloody field.
~ am afraid we search in vain, ma.
dame," and tall cavalier mounted on
big bay addressed Nine. de Beaufort
She nodded her head to him sadly, and
turned to the king.
1T is useless, sire. and can bear this
NJ lonoer-it ;e too hor,-fble-laf ne on D
"iou are right-this is no place for
you. Roquelaure will see you and youl
little friend there back, and will come
10 you soon-but now l have letter
to write-just few lines to Bearn.'
The king spoke with strong southern
accent. and as he spoke leaned forward
and caressed Nine. de Benufort's hand.
The lady with Nine. de Beaufort com.
ing nearer at this time, recognized my
unknown madame of the outposts, who
had evidently found her way back &c
her friends. But it was with bitter
disappointment that ! saw her in the
company of The duchess, and evidently
in attendance on her. Madame was
nothing 10 me. / thought, but could
not associate her with the fallen wom-
an who was the mistress of the king
| was learning the lesson that love comes
on man like thief in the night, and
unconsciously to myself, madame had
climbed on pinnacle in my heart, and
the thought that had deceived myself
In my estimate of her moved me to sud.
den anger. and stilled the cry for helI
that was rising to my lipsI would
have no help from her and her friends
In the meantime the king was busily
engaged in writing his dispatch ON Q
small tablet, which he rested on the
pommel of his saddle.
As he was thus engaged, little shriv.
eled old man pushed his horse beside
Mime. de Beaufort. and said in mincing
tones as hard as steel: "Comc, madame
your brother has met soldiers death
and no Frenchman can hope for bet
ter-or he is safe and well somewhere |
Dry your tears, and rejoice at the glo
rious victory we have won." The duch' ,
ess made some answer in broken voice |
and the king, hearing her, stopped
writing and put his tablet away.
"D'Ayen speaks rightly, though he
speaks from the head. God keep u.
from more scenes like this. As for your
brother, viii not rest till there is newi
of him; but now we can do no more.
Come, then--open your pretty eyes and
we will go-there is much on hand"
was hot-headed fool and furious in
those days, and set my teeth together
grimly as they made ready to start
swearing would rather die than make
the slightest signal for aid. They rode
past quite close to me, Madame dc
Beaufort weeping at the kings bride
hand, and his majesty sucking at nee
tariDe he had pulled from his holster
was Immediately behind. and
As she came up to me. our eyes met with
instant recognition. In a moment her
check had crimsoned and paled, and
she refined in with a cry:
"Stop-haltl"
They had all surrounded me now. and
hea ri mick orders riven