Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1899-05-17

SSASp WAO WNot oiSSA IAV CukQAkloAS tA1C AAAOSs
powerful man in France, and, indeed, was
supposed by many to have more of the kings
ear. Close by him were number of ladies,
the hall, hoping in vain to catch sight OF the
one face longed to see. Whilst 90 engaged
De Vesci observed me, and, seeing the pa
pers in my hand, made an imperious gesture,
beckoning me towards him. This I pretend
ed not to observe, and the seneschal, biting
his lips, edged his way towards me. It was
easy to see from my Travelled and stained sp-
pearance, the red on my spurs, and the
packet in my hand, that was the bearer at
news.
"Is not monsieur aware" he said, in .
harsh voice, speaking in French, chat %.
pers for the king should be brought to mep
"These are for the kings hand" I an
swered.
ut j. enough. Give them to ms,s and b.
held forth his hand.
II have said, my lord, that thsy are for
his majesty's own hands,"
Bayard, who was watching the game now
drawing to close, turned round at this,
and, grasping the matter, cut in.
"Ciel! My lord, let the cavaliere deliver
his packet. It will come to you seon
enough. Take holiday for once"
De Vesci frowned, and was about to make
hot answer, when there was sudden
shout and clapping of hands, and Louis,
who had won the game, came forward lead
ing Nine. de la Tremouille in triumph. The
last move was made but few feet from N,
and as the king faced round with his part
ner he caught sight of our group and called
out as he advanced:
Victory! We have won. Why those
black looks, De Vesci? Come and congratu.
late us"
With an effort the seneschal smoothed hil
face. Victory always attends your mai
esty, and with so fair partner defeat would
be impossible" and he bowed with a courtly
grace; but the wrinkles of his frown were
still on his forehead. The duchess grew red
with pleasure at the compliment, and Louis
clapped his hands like a boy.
Excellent! Trust courtier's lip for Z
soft speech" and then, observing me, "but
what have we here?"
From Rome, your majesty" and, drop
ping to my knee, presented my papers,
which the king took irresolutely in his hand
"Diable!" he exclaimed, with an impatient
gesture, from my lord cardinal, no doubtf
And he glanced at me.
"Your majesty, and Of the most vital i'm
port," and rose.
ri must read them, suppose. A plague
on the cardinal! We were just going to thu
minuetoo
II will deal with the matter, sire. The pa
pers should have come to me, and De Vesci
saying this in his harsh, grating voice
reached forth his hand. Usually perfect
master of his temper, he had somehow, fol
once, let it get the better of him; and hi
y ~,
of command. Louis, though brave man
temper that was often aroused to fits of OBJ
stinacy, little short of mulish. He caught
| the seneschal's tone, and perhaps also tn,
suppressed smile that fickered on the face
of his courtiers. His forehead darkened
"You mistake, my lord, these papers com
rightly to me-" and, turning his back on th,
seneschal, he tore open the packet.
De Vesci stepped back, white to the lips
and the court gathered round the king in d
lence. Seeing Tremouille at hand, mad
bold to step up to him and give him D,Am
bosses note. He glanced at II, and, turnin,
to me, said: 81, gave my word, and il shal
| be kept. The honor Of Tremouills
| pledged"
4 was at q loss to understand, but he hal
no time to think, for Louis suddenly callet
out: "Tremouille - Bayard - gentlemen
1 The Borgia is taken! Rome is oursl"
At once there was a buzz and murmu
Of voices, in eager congratulstion at tn
glad tidings. Standing alone and apar
from all, could barely see Louis, 90 clos<
ly did the court press around him; but
seemed that Tremouille was urging SOME
thing on him, and the duchess too, for
caught the fash of jewels on her fngarl
as in her eagerness she laid them on th
kings arm. Then Bayard's deep voice cam
7 to me clearly: "H done, 'twsrs well don
i quickly, SIRE"
I do not exactly know how IL happened
but found myself kneeling before the kin,
who stood above me, his drawn sword 1
his hand.
IN. di savell," he said. zone king .
France owed you his life, another al bu