The Winslow mail., 1900-06-14

life had enfeebled his constitution. He had
the features of his house, the wide forehead,
the oval face the pointed chin, below which
his short brown beard was neatly trimmed.
His gray eyes were set somewhat wide
apart, and his hair, which naturally
straight, he wore carefully curled, in a
length that all but touched his shoulders.
He was dressed in a tight-ftting surcoat of
green, with green trunk hose and stockings
of the same color short cloak, also of
green, fell from his shoulder, and below his
left knee was bound the ribbon of the Eng
lish Order of the Garter, of which he was
very proud. On his head was a velvet cap
lapeled in front and on either side, and alive
with the light jewels, with which it was
studded. He was playing king in the game,
Nine. de la Tremoulle acting as queen, and
the rival king was Tremoulle himself, who
had for his partner Isabel the Good, the wife
of GonSaga of Mantua, a princess dlstIn-
guished alike for her beauty and her virtue.
A little apart from the players, and watch
ing the game with grave interest, stood
Etenne de Vesci, the seneschal of Beau
caire, who was, after the cardinal, the most
powerful man in France, and, indeed, was
supposed by many to have more OF the king
ear Close by him were number OF ladies',
and ran my eye amongst them and around
the hall, hoping in vain to catch sight of the
one face longed to see. Whilst SO engaged
De Vesci observed me, and, seeing the pa
pers in my hand, made an imperious gesture,
beckoning me towards him. This pretend
ed not to observe, and the seneschal, biting
his lips, edged his way towards me. 1t was
easy to see from my Travelled and stained ap-
pearance, the red on my spurs, and the
packet in my hand, that was the bearer of
news.
"Is not monsieur aware" he said, in
harsh voice, speaking in French, that pa
pers for the king should be brought to me?"
"These are for the kings hand" | an
swered
at is enough. Give them to me" and he
held forth his hand.
Il have said, my lord, that they are for
his majesty's own hands"
Bayard, who was watching the game now
drawing to a close, turned round at this,
and, grasping the matter, cut in.
"Ciel! My lord, let the cavaliere deliver
his packet. 1t will come to you soon
enough. Take a holiday for once"
DE Vesci frowned, and was about to make
a hot answer, when there was a sudden
shout and clapping of hands, and Louis,
VINO had won the game, came forward Iead-
ing Nine de la Tremouille in triumph. The
last move was made but few feet from us,
and 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 his
face. Victory always attends your maj
esty, and with SO fair partner defeat would
be impossible" and he bowed with courty
grace but the wrinkles of his frown were
still on his forehead. The duchess grew red
with pleasure at the compliment, and Louis
capped biz hands like boy.
''Excellelt! Trust a courtier's lip for
soft speech" and then. observing me. but
what have we here?"
From Rome. your majesty" and. drop
ping to my knee, | presented my papers,