The Holly chieftain., 1899-02-03

would accept an old leaguer's sword,
he would stay-if not, the world was
wide. was as far as ever from un-
derstanding the strange message that
NJ. d'Ayen had delivered to me. and felt
myself safe in going to Paris, as a gem
eral amnesty covered all our sins of re-
bellion-so they were called now.
So absorbed was l in these thoughts
that ! did not mark the rapid approach
of horseman. nor indeed was / aware
of his presence until. when within Jew
yards from me. he refined in his plung-
ing beast. whose bit and neck were
white with foam. and lifting his hat re-
spectfuliy, inquired II was the Cheva-
lier d'Auriac. and on my reply ex-
claimed: Madame will be overjoyed.
We heard that you had already left
Bidache. and my lady arrives within
the hour from Evreux-pardon, mon
sieur, 60 to give the news to the
household" and saluting again the
lackey dashed onwards toward the
chateau.
So would meet her within the hour.
Half unconsciously glanced down to
zee II my doublet set Alright and my
points were tied. Then l thought
would go back to the house and meet
her there, and. as did this looked
at the fall OF the plumes in my hat, and
finally laughed aloud at myself for
coxcomb. took my heart in both hands
and marched onwards toward the gates.
The porter had already been warned,
and on my coming found him there
and q crowd of yokels. all in state
| of high excitement.
"It is three years since madame was
here, monsieur" the honest fellow ex-
claimed to me as came up. "three
years, and now she comes without a
word of warning-hola! There they are,
and there is madame on the jennet she
purchased from NJ. le Due de Sully-hc
was but the Sieur de Rosny then-hola1
Hola!"
The crowd joined with him in his
cheers, although us yet the party was
far off-not SO far, however, that l
could not easily make out the graceful
figure on the jennet, and in the two
riders who accompanied madame, apart
from the half dozen servants behind, ]
recognized to my surprise d'Ayen, and
guessed that the gray beard In the tall
crowned broad-brimmed hat, with the
sad-colored cloak over his shoulders
was no other than the old Huguenot,
whose zeal had outrun his discretion,
on the night when saved madame
from great peril.
This guess of mine hazarded aloud
to the gatekeeper, who replied:
"Ycs, NJ. le Chevalier, that is Maitre
Palm, madamc's chaplain, and he was
also chaplain to NJ. lie Compile before he
died" llu
when was 1t that NJ. lie Comptc died p
"Let me see, monsieur-ah. yes-foul
years ago. in Paris, at the time of the
plague. He was great lord, as you
may know, and brother OF the duke
who they say has quarreled with the
king because of his conversion, and oi
Nine. Charlotte. the princess of Conde
who lives in the Rue Grenille."
AZ madame lifted her head our eyes
met, and, raising my hat, advanced
towards her, the people giving way re.
spectfully. My ears were buzzing. and
was as shy and nervous as a school
boy. ns I bowed over her gloved hand
and touched it with my lips.
Let me welcome you back to health
chevalier." she said, "and say how glad
I am to be able, even for q short while
to do the honors of my poor house ir
person to you. News came to us that
you had already left Bidache-without
even word to me-" her voice dropped
a little as she said this, but the tone
was cool and friendly, nothing more.
II go tonight, madame
$50 soon? But understand why. ant
will not press you to stay-here is one
who. like myself. has longed for an op
portunity to thank you in person. Nor
pere." and she turned to the Hugueno
priest, "this is our friend to whom W,
owe SO much"
I'm the service Of the Lord one wouit
willingly lay down life," said Palm. al
he shook me warmly by the hand
nevertheless few hours more Of tn,
world for an old man is grace not I.
be despised, and thank the instrument
that has bestowed this benefit upon me.
D'Ayen, between whom and myself
there had passed TO greeting. now spok,
in voice that fairly tremblcd will
anger.
II was not aware that 1 should hav,
the pleasure Of meeting you here, NJ. !,
Chevalier. It will surprise the king
he added, in a lower tone to madame.
made no answer, but the memor,
OF his warning and my determination
to settle with him came up in full force
Madame. however, spoke.
m. d'Ayen. when. by the order Of th'
king. you were directed to escort me t.
Bidache, there WINS nothing said nbou
your right to dictate to me who shall b
my guests. Remember, monsieur, tha
your company is forced upon me, ant
let me add that you are tribe toe
paternal."
D'Ayen paled under his rouge, and
muttering something, remained back 1
pace.
Madame signaled q lackey to dis
mount and offer me his beast.
II cannot allow you 10 walk, and w,
will reach the house quicker in thil
way, besides / want to hear all youl
news. My friends" and she turned I,
the people, come to Bidache; it is long
since we have met. and would hav,
you there to make merry as Of old
come. chevalier."
In the cheers which followed, sh,