Cameron County press. [volume] (Emporium, Cameron County, Pa.) 1866-1922, 1899-02-09

eneZ! Let put the KING agree 10 ue
Gomeron's suit-and he is hard pressed,
tell you, for Sully even is on Biron's
side in this matter, and after that"
"What?"
"Henry's mind will have turned an
other way. There are many who would
like to play queen, and few like Mes
d1mes de Guerchville and Bidache."
But in any case, Belin, l lose the
game"
You have become very clever in your
retreat, my friend. You win your game
if de Gomeron is accepted and then"
"And then, my wise adviser?"
"She need not marry the Camargue.
You can run him through under the
Lines in the Tuileries-wed madame,
and grow cabbages at Auriac ever after.
Pouf! The matter is simple!"
Miserable as I was | fairly laughed
out at Belin's plot Nevertheless, the
hopefulness of the man, his CHEEKY tone
and happy spirit had their effect upon
me, and if it turned out that the king
was wavering there was more than
straw Of hope floating down stream to
me. My courage grew also when put
together Sully's words with Belin's
news that Biron was detained by the
side of the king. 1t surely meant that
this was done to prevent the marshal
doing mischief elsewhere. If so, I was
nevertheless on the horns of dilemma,
for by telling of the plot I would, if my
story were believed, make matters hope
less, and advance d'Ayen's cause to the
g la I
On the other hand, by keeping silent
l was in an equally hard case. My
pledge to Sully prevented me from talk
ing Belin fully into my confidence, and
hardly knowing what l was doing, l
poured myself out another full goblet
of the chambertin, and drained it at
draft.
Excellent" said Belin, "there is moth
ing like burgundy to steady the mind;
in another moment you will be yourself
again and think as l do in this matter.
fortnight is a devil of a long time,
and"
IN. lie Baron d'Ayen," and ValIon
threw open the door, and atits entrance
stood the cold-blooded instrument of
the king.
"My dear De Belin," he said bowing
low, Il trust my visit is not inoppor
tune? I had no idea you were en-
gagged"
"Neyer more welcome, baron. think
monsieur lie chevalier is known to you
sit down and help yourself to the
chambertin."
D'Ayen bowed slightly to me; but I
took no notice and rose to depart.
II will say good day, Belin, and many
thanks for what you have done"
"Do not retire on my account, mon
sieur le chevalier," said d'Ayen, in his
mocking voice. 81 come to give news
to my friend here, which will doubtless
interest you. The fact is his majesty
insists on my marriage taking place as
soon as possible, and has given instruc-
tions for the chapel in the Louvre to
be prepared for the ceremony. You still
hold good to your promise of being one
of my sponsors, de Belin?"
"If the wedding comes off-cer-
tainIy."
"Ha! ha! If it comes off! I would
ask you, too, monsieur" and he turned
to me, but l know you have pressing
business elsewhere"
"Whatever my business may be, mon
sieur, there is one thing | must at
tend to first, and l must request the
pleasure your company to discuss It,"
"Ah!" he said, strol;ing the marabout
feathers in his hat, that difference of
opinion we had about the woods of BIZ
dache-eh? see from your face it is so.
I had almost forgotten it."
"Monsieur's memory is convenient"
He bowed with grin. lam old; but
shall take care not to forget this time"
Come, gentlemen" land Belin inter
posed, ''the day is too young to begin to
quarrel, and if this must come to
meeting allow your seconds to arrange
the time and place. One moment,
baron" and taking me by the arm he
led me to the door.
"Malheureux!" he whispered, "will
you upset the kettle! See me to-mor-
row, and adieu." He pressed my hand,
and l went out preceded by Vallon, who
must have caught Belin's words, but
whose face was as impassive as stone.