The Kinsley graphic. [volume] (Kinsley, Kan.) 1890-1940, 1899-03-24

i gentlemen for the hand of madame-it
is that croque-mort de Gomeron, with
all his faults stout soldier. It is said
that the marshal has even pressed de
Gomeron's suit with madame, and that,
rather than marry d'Ayen, and clinging
to any chance for escape, she has agreed
to fall in with his views. This heard
from the vidame, and Chevalier de Latin
good enough authority"
"One alternative is as bad as the
other"
"There is no satisfying some people.
Why, man. don't you see it would be the
best thing in the world for you if it was
settled in favor of our friend from the
Camargue."
THAT lowborn scoundrel?"
"Mon ami, we don't know anything
about that. Give the devil his due; he is
q better man than d'Ayen. know there
is i'll blood between you, and wonder
that some has not been split before
now"
There will be before this is ended. I"
''Tenez! Let but the king agree to de
Gomeron's suit-and he is hard pressed.
1 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
danes de Guerchville and Bidache.''
'But in any case, Belin, 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 a
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 surety meant that
this was done 20 prevent the marshal
doing mischief elsewhere. If so, I was
nevertheless on the horns of dilemma,
for by telling of the plot would, if my
story were believed, make matters hope
| less, and advance d'Ayen's cause to the
misery of the woman loved.
On the other hand, by keeping silent
1 was in an equally hard case. My
pledge to Sully prevented me from TAX
ing Belin fully into my confidence. and
| hardly knowing what I was doing, 1
poured myself out another full goblet
| of the chambertin, and drained it at a
| 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 do in this matter.
Courage, mani Pick your heart up. A
fortnight is a devil of long time,
and"
IN. lie Baron d'Ayen," and WALTON
threw open the door, and at it's entrance
stood the cold-blooded instrument of
the king.
"My dear De Belin," he said, bowling
low, 81 trust my visit is not inoppor-
tune? I had no idea you were en-
gagged"
"Never 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 lie chevalier," said d'Ayen, in his
hooking voice. ~ 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-
tons 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 Officer
tainly."
'Ha! ha! If it comes off! would
ask you, too, monsieur" and he turned
to me, "but know you have pressing
business elsewhere"
Whatever my business may be, mon
sieur. there is one thing 1 must at
tend to first, and I must request the
pleasure of your company to discuss It,"
"Ah!" he said, stroking 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 |