The Kinsley graphic. [volume] (Kinsley, Kan.) 1890-1940, 1899-03-17

no one. I occasionally, of course, met
passed between us, and Jacques had be-
come marEelously taciturn, SO that /
was alone as if were in desert in that
vast city, where the roar of the days
traffic and the hum of voices seemed to
vibrate through and possess the stillest
hours of the night. Doubtless there
were men of my acquaintance in Paris;
but did not seek them, for the reasons
already stated, and lived as secluded a
life as though I had taken the vows of
hermit.
In the meantime I was more than
anxious that Jacques should execute my
plan in regard to Marie. That I felt
was a debt of honor to myself; but
though I tried the threat of dismissal
he refused to go point blank. and I was
weak enough to allow him his way. It
was one of the many instances in
which my frmness of temper failed,
but it is not possible for man always
to keep his heart in Milan corselet.
could not make out Sully's reasons for
his action. 1t seemed to me that he had
got all my information out of me, with
out pledging himself to anything in re-
turn, and that he held me as safely as
Il cat does a wounded mouse. To save
my own skin by quitting Paris was
thought can honestly aver that never
came to me. It could not with the all
pervading presence of my love for ma
dame. It was for her sake I was here,
and for her sake / would go cheerfully
to the block if need be; but it would
not be without a try to save her, and if
the worst came to the worst l should
let all France know the infamy of her
king.
My doubts in regard to madame's
safety were set at rest about three
weeks after my interview with Sully.
One evening Pantin knocked at my
door, and. on my bidding him enter,
came in with many apologies for dis
turbing me.
"But, chevalier," he added, 81 have
news that monsieur will no doubt be
glad to hear"
"Then let us have it, Maitre Pantin,
for good news has been q stranger to
me for long"
"It is this: Our friend Palm arrives
in Paris tomorrow or the day after"
"And stays here?
"No, for he comes in attendance on
Madame de In Bidache, and will doubt
less live at the Varenne."
half turned for moment to the win
dow to hide the expression of Joy on my
face l could not conceal otherwise.
Were it daylight might have been able
to see the trees in the gardens of the
Rue Varenne; but it was night, and the
stars showed nothing beyond the white
spectral outline of the Tour de Nesle
beyond the Malaquais.
Indeed, am glad to hear this" I
said. as l looked round once more,
"though Paris would be dull for
madame"
Not so, monsieur, for the king comes
back tomorrow, and the gossips say
that before another fortnight is out
there will he another maitresse en- titre
at the Louvre. Ciel! How many of
them there have been from poor La
Fosseuse to the Distress"
'Maitre Pantin, forget myself. Will
you help yourself to the Frontignac?"
"a hundred thanks. monsieur lie che
Waller. Is there any message for Palm?
Pouf! But forget. What has a hand
some young spark like you got in COM
mon with an old graybeard? You will
he at court in a week. and they will all
be there, bright-cyed dEntragues,
Mary of Guise, Charlotte de Givry,
and"
"Maitre Pantin, these details of the
court do not interest me. Tell Palm
would see him as soon as he arrives.
Ask him as a favor to come here. He
said you were discreet"
"And know that monsieur lie cheval-
Ter is likewise" With u quick move
ment of the hand the short. gray goatee
that Pantin wore vanished from his
chin, and there was before me not the
face of the notary, but that of Annette.
She laughed out ut the amaze in my
look. but quickly changed her tone.
"Maitre Palm said you were to be
trusted utterly, monsieur, and you see
I have done SO. Your message will be
safely delivered. and l promise be will
see you--but have you otother?"
"None," l answered, little bitterly
II have, however, and it is this"
and she placed in my hand little
packet. Monsieur may open that at his
leisure" and she turned as if to go.
Zone moment-I do not understand.
What is the reason of this masquer-
ade?"