The Kinsley graphic. [volume] (Kinsley, Kan.) 1890-1940, 1899-11-03
!. CHAPTER VII.

IdE GAhOEN Ot' 81. 11ICHAEL.
On our way back Ceci was somewhat sepa-
rated from me, whether by accident or de-
sign, cannot say. l did not quite regret
this, as had made up my mind to see as
little as possible of him for the future, think
ing he had repaid himself for his kindness,
by the proposals he had made to me. In
deed, may cay never sought his society,
although, until he showed his hand, his visits
and conversation gave me some pleasure, for,
Notwithstanding his position, he was a we'll
informed man, who, in the earlier part of
his life, must have seen better days, and per-
haps hoped to see them again, if his plot
succeeded. The words he had let drop, to
the effect that the Medici would come back,
had given me a hint as to what that plot
was. It was evident that my old friend was
an active member of the Bigi, or Grey Party,
in Florence, that were then working secretly
for the restoration of Lorenzo's sons. 1t
seemed clear, too, that the attempt to be
made was to be directed against some very
eminent member of the state-perhaps the
Gonfaloniere himself, and began. to. won
der if it was not my duty to lay the infor-
nation had before the Signory. could
not, however, reconcile this with my prom
Use of silence, and therefore my tongue was
tied. Still 1 could not sit tamely by, and
cided, therefore, to remain in Florence
somehow, and if possible avert the crime,
although it would interfere, no doubt, with
my own business. But one cannot always be
thinking of ones self. Perhaps also, though
not quite conscious of it then, had some
idea of again meeting the unknown lady of
the gala procession, in whom, in spite of my
self, / felt was taking too great an in
terest.
During the night had but little sleep,
for the affair of the mad partisan of the
Medici, and the declaration of war, had
reused the citizens to fever heat, and all
night long crowds thronged the streets,
their hoarse shouts of "Popolol Popolo!"
mingling with the incessant changing of the
war-bell, which itself was loud enough to
wake the dead. The next day, however, l
resolved to take the bull by the horns, and
with a view to fill my purse, determined to
present myself before La Palisse, and offer
him my sword. sailed out, therefore, find
ing the streets fairly empty, the all-night in
dignation meeting of the Florentines having
wearied them little. Still, however, there
were knots of people here and there. all in a
more or less excited condition. was in no
particular hurry, and, taking a lesson from
the snail, went at a leisurely pace, and event
ually reached the headquarters of La Palisse,
which were in the Medicean palace, in the
Via Larga. The courtyard and entrance
hall were full of soldiers, and evidently
active preparations for the campaign were in
progress, for there was continuous stream
OF people going in and out. No one took any
notice of me, and holding up my cap in one
hand, and Strengthening the feather on it
with the fingers of the other, advanced un-
questioned through the crowded rooms. In
this manner ! proceeded until came to a
gallery, ON one flank of which there was q
series of windows overlooking the street;
at the END Of the gallery hung purple cur
tain. covering, as it happened, an open door.
On the curtain Itself was embroidered q
crimson shield, bearing the pale of the
Medici- Before this ] was stopped by a
young officer, who asked me my business,
and replied it was with La Palisse himself
"Impossible!" he replied; you cannot
see the general"
why not, signoref
flush, man! You look old enough to nm
dcrstand that orders are ORDERS"
"What il it, De Brienne?" q sharp voice
called out from within. The officer lifted
the curtain. and went inside. was deter
mined tosgain an interview with the great
man, and had therefore said my business
was Of Importance The leanness of my
pcrse was my excus6 fof-the subterfuee.
which ] subsequently regretted a. vii be
came out. 'Well, meser-meses-"
"Donati," I said.
'well. Donati. the general win zee you.
You may enter"