The Kinsley graphic. [volume] (Kinsley, Kan.) 1890-1940, 1899-12-22
CHAPTER XIV:
THE GIFT OF BAYARD.

Inc lcVeC laSCeQ some HUG Time, as - ALI
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 wonderful memory
for even the most trifling details. This was,
in fact, an informal reception, which the car
dinal, both as u 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. for D'Amboise was known
to be generous and free, despite an occasion
al testincss of manner, such as he had OK
hibited to Corte, and shown in the first in
stance to St. Armande.
Corte l spoke to no more that day, but
saw him, where he had retreated to the ex-
treme 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 eventful
interview with the cardinal and Bayard, and
was more than grateful for the happy
chance that had enabled me to draw my
sword in aid of the secretary, Machiavelli
/ 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
Mt Florence was upbraiding fate, and all
but cursing God, friends were at work, try
ing to help and aid me, and this taught me a
lesson.
At last the levee came to an end. The last
petition monger had made his request,
D'Amboise had made his last pleasant
speech, and, turning slowly round, we
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 of
marching, as he should have done, at once
to Italy, after the defeat of Cesare at Fos-
sombrone. The result of his action being n
further truce that much delayed his success,
and indeed very nearly ruined his chances.
which were greaAat the time. As for me, 1
was left to 'uyseR no one coming near me
except the huge ound, 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 muzzle. l ran my fin
gers over his shaggy coat with caresslng
motion, and, observing Defaure, the page
whom I had first addressed on arriving,
begged him to show me my apartments, in
horses.
1.-THE house is full, signore," he replied,
S1h,,k how hat wa 0YYId fO
accommodation. The horses have been at
tended to, and the Sergt. Jacopo awaits you
in your rooms"
Thanks, FRIEND" and followed him,
smiling little to myself at the French rank
which Jacopo had assumed, no doubt out Ut
compliment to our host, my new employer.
We passed out by the same entrance by
which had come in, and, crossing a court
yard, the page ushered me to a set OF apart
ments in an outbuilding, and left me with
the information that dinner would be served
at noon for the cardinal as well as the gen
tlemeu Of the suite.
! found Jacopo in high glee. He had set
out all my apparel, and was engaged in bur
nishing his sword. This he put down as
came in. and burst into speech.
BLOOD of St. John! Excellency, but did
not say luck would turn? Yesterday we
were anywhere" and he held up both hands
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 privations.
"The horses, Jacopo?"
"Are we'll as might be, signore, and MUNICH.
ing their corn as if they were never to have
another feed. Does your excellency mean to
stay long IN this land of plenty?"
"Not for long, Jacopo. And harkce! Re
member not to address me by any other