The Bourbon news. [volume] (Paris, Ky.) 1895-19??, 1899-09-22
CHAPTER Nv.
THE GIFT OF BAYARD.

The levee lasted some little time, as D. Am
boise, who was studious of the arts of gain
ing popularity, listened with apparent in
terest to anyone who chose to address him,
and seemed to possess a wonderful memory
for even the most trifing details. This was,
in fact an informal reception, which the car
dinal, both as Gr prince of the church, and
the representative of France at the Papal
Court, held daily, and hither came all the
lesser members of the French party IN
Rome, and all those who hoped to gain
something from the prelate by the simple
process Of asking, Cor d Amboise was known
to be generous and free, despite an occasion
al testiness of manner, such as he had eX-
hibited to Corte, and shown in the first in
stance to st. Armande.
Gorte | spoke to no more that day, but
saw him, where he had retreated to the eX
IRENE end of the room, his book under his
arm, evidently waiting to make his exit. St.
Armande took his place beside me, his COM
panion, the able, dropping into the rear.
Once he, st. Armande, haZarded a remark,
which / did not catch, and therefore did not
answer. In truth, l was in no mood for
speaking, my mind being full of my eventfUI
interview with the cardinal and Baylrd, and
] was more than grateful for the happy
chance that had enabled me to draw my
sword in aid of the secretary, Machlavelh
j thought, too, of Nine. D'Entrangues, and
Of what she had done in my behalf, and
would have given much to have thanked her
for her efforts, fruitless although they APP
parently were. But what struck me most
of all was the fact that whilst in my misery
at Florence l was upbraiding fate, and all
but cursng Cod friends were at work, try
70 hn1r OIL mo N q
lesson.
At last the levee came to an end. The last
petition monger had made his request,
DAmboise had made his last pleasant
speech, and, turning slowly round, we
made our way back, when the cardinal re-
tired with Bayard to an inner apartment,
leaving us to our own devices. st. Ar
mande, whose appearance attracted general
attention, was surrounded by the gentlemen
of the suite, who asked the last news of the
court, and the last scandal of Macon, where
Louis was, holding high revelry, instead~ot
marching as he should have done, at once
to italy, after the defeat of Cesare at Eos
sombrone. The result of his action being 4
further truce that much delayed his success,
and indeed very nearly ruined his chances.
which were great at the time. As Tor me, L
was left to myself, no one coming near me
except the huge hound, which rose slowly,
and, approaching, surveyed me with grave
interest. Then, apparently satisfied, he
wagged his tail in approval and touched my
hand with his grim muzzlc. l ran my Tin
gers over his shaggy coat with a caresslng
motion, and, observing Defaure, tho page
whom l had first addressed on arriving,
begged him to show me my apartments, IN
curing at the same time of JacOpo and the
horses.
''The house is full, signore," he replied,
<'but we have done what we could for your
accommodation. The horses have been at
tended to, and the Sergt. Jacopo awaits you
in your rooms"
"Thanks, friend" and / followed him.
smiling a little to myself at the French ranl;
which Jacopo had assumed, no doubt out OF
compliment to our host, my new employer
We passed out by the same entrance by
which | had come i'll, and, crossing court
ward. the page ushered me to a set OF apart
nents in an outbuilding, and left me with
the information that dinner would be served
at noon for the cardinal as we'll as the gen
tlemen of the suite.
1 found Jacopo in high glee. He mad SET
out all my apparel, and was engaged In bur
nishing his sword. This he put down as
came IN, ana DuTSE llCO spSCCh'
Blood of St. John! Excellency, but die
not saw luck wcdld turn? Yesterday We
were anywhere" ind he held up both hand:
with the fingers outstretched, to-day, be
hold" and he waved his arms around the
room, which was certainly fitted with lux
ury, and struck me as all the more luxurious
after my past prigations.
1.-The horses, Jacopo!"
care we'll as might be, signore, and MUNICH
ing their corn Is if they were never to have
another feed. Does your eXcellency mean tt
stay long in this land of plenty"
Not for long, Jacopo. And harkee! lie
member not TO address me by any othel
name than that of Donati. Do not let HIN
of my real name escape you, and avoid bah
bling over the wine cup"
al will be dumb, eXcellency."
"a good deal depends on your prudenct
in this, and YOU must take care not to fail
Now to business, and keep your ears opei
and YOUR head clear. How do we stand
regards funds?"
Jacopo. to whom l had intrusted m,
money. pulled out leather purse and count
ed the cOatents.
"There are five-and-thirty crowns wit
. me sigpore. and five | gave your worship
this morning, making 10 in all, and he re
stored the purse to its hiding place under hi
belt.
Enough for our needs at present, an
more will be Forthcoming soon, for there
business in hand.
al sad that luck would turn repeate'
racono his sace showing Joy at the news.
"Nevcr mind the luck, but attend to me
: want To enlist half dozen good men, me-
who will go anywhere and do anything
they must bring their own arms and horses