Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1898-06-30


woman had done, but she already re-
GREETED her consent to Gillonne's jour-
uey.
Anne and Mathurine were excited by
this change from the usual monotony
Of their lives, and their mistress saw
with veXation that when the young
Count engaged her in talk her two
maids cast aside the reticence taught
by their prudent duenna, and talked
and laughed with any OF the soldiers
who made free TO speak with them.
Jeanne was disturbed, she knew
that her mother had never permitted
this kind of license when they had
now and then journeyed to Lannion
or to Guingamp. The young Countess
loved riding; the day, bright, with a
touch of freshness in the air, was ex-
hiliarating. and as she looked around
her the dark cloud of sorrow that
had settled on her spirits lifted; she
put her horse to a canter, feeling that
she could do nothing in the way of sur
VIGILANCE, and that therefore there was
no use in meeting possible evil half
way.
Laval-she could hardly think of
him by the new name-kept close be-
side her, and she was obliged to own
that he made gallant, knightly figure
on the powerful horse, which he man
aged with the ease of an experienced
rider; he wore steel back and breast
plate over his doublet; a very long
sword hung beside his thigh, and in
his richly-ornamented belt We're
dagger and a brace Of pistols; his
black velvet cap, fringed by a white
feather and looped up with rich jew
els, was now exchanged for a steel
head-piece. very becoming to his dark
face and handsome eyes; Jeanne was
obliged to own to herself they were
handsome though she still thought
their expression vas sinister.
On the second day Laval said Il
have news, madame. which will, fear,
disappoint you" She looked at him,
her eyes full of question. THE King
is, I believe, on his way to Lyons: l
hear that His Majesty Travelled few
days ago to Moulins, in order to visit
the Constable de Bourbon. who is in
disposed. Finding the Constable still
too i'll to join him, the King has prob
ably proceeded on his way to Lyons,
where. as you may have heard. mad
anne, troops from all parts of France
are assembling"
Jeannes bright face clouded over.
"Does the Court follow the King to
Lyons. monsieur"
mot at present. madame; it is said
that His Majesty intends to take COM
mand Of the army, which, it is sup
posed is almost ready to march for
Italy"
Jeanne smiled again: she saw
hope Of release from her unpleasant
position
Il thank you. monsieur for your
kind intention OF escorting ME to the
royal presence. but I prefer to go to
Amboise; I shall be safe there in the
care Of my cousin, the Countess of
Chateaubriand.
De Retz looked at her with an I'M
pleasant smile
How unfortunate" he exclaimed.
81 had understood madame, that YOU
wished to be placed as soon as possible
under the protection CT His Majesty;
therefore, when l learnt that the King
was on his way to Lyons. | took the
road to Blois, which lies some leagues
above AmbOise. We shall reach Blois
this evening, and if we travel part Of
the night we may soon come up with
the Kings rear guard; I shall then be
able to learn the precise line of route
followed by His Majesty"
Jeanne threw back her hood. and
looked fixedly at him.
Il am sorry to derange your plans.
monsieur, but / must ask you to escort
me to Amboise."
In spite of the mask she wore, he
could see she looked determined. He
smiled at her courage
Dear lady" he said with Difference.
I dare not take on me to set aside ex-
press commands The orders of NV
dear lord and godfather were precise;
IN the event of your becoming a widow,
| was to take you to the presence of
your guardian, King Francis; there was
no mention Of Amboise or of any other
Royal palace. | promised to render I'D
my charge to His Majesty in person.
1t WILL however, crafty me to escort
you later on wheresoever the King NAV
please to send you, whether it be to
Longuedec or to Amboise; | dare not.
however, take you anywhere till | have
received His Majesty's Royal instruc-
tions"
He saw that she was angry; he noted
that the ear nearest him had become red
as damask rose.
Il do not understand. monsieur. How
was it that before we quilted Laval
you babe me, if | pleased, remain there
for the present? How could you ven
ture to say this if your orders were so
peremtory? | do not understand"
She spoke angrily and with some dis
dain.
Laval was secretly amused, but he
sighed as if her words panied him.
''You judge me harsbly, madame
that is, however, natural. Will you
permit me to explain myself? l had
the idea of leaving you at Laval, in or
der that / might hasten TO Amboise
TO inform the King of the sad event by
which you had become a widow, and to
ask His Majesty's intentions regarding
YOU l then found that you did not
wish TO remain at Laval, and | agreed
that we should travel together to AM
boise. Only yesterday | had tidings
that the King was at Mouths; | learn
to-day that he has left the town, and
Is on his way to Lyons. l trust, mad
anne. that this explanation satisfies
you?"
He looked so much in earnest, the
explanation sounded so plain and prob
able that Jeanne felt ashamed of her