The Kinsley graphic. [volume] (Kinsley, Kan.) 1890-1940, 1900-01-05
CHAPTER XVII.
THE VATICAN,

The VATICAN.
The next morning l sought an interview
with D'Amboise ana stated to him what
had occurred, proposing that should leave
Rome at once, and await his instructions
at any point he should fix. To my surprise,
he did not regard the matter in serious
3 light. saying that small fine would no
doubt settle the matter. My dear cava-
tiere," he said, "our lord does not desire
the death of sinner, but only his purse.
Make your mind easy. but keep tighter
hand on your men,.
81 shall assuredly do so, your eminence."
Another thing. l think you will have
to put aside your shyness, and attend me
10 the vatican for the next few days. 1t
is extraordinary how suspicious the court
here is. They keep constant watch on
me. and on all the suite. and your seclu-
sion, and solitary rides out, have been the
subject of remark. The ladies too are taking
interest in you. In fact, have been spe-
cially asked to bring you with me, by Ma
donna Lucrezia, all owing to foolish re-
mark made by Strigonia."
Il am at your eminence's orders"
ut is little risk, but do not want them
to think that you are anything but mere
member of my suite. If there were the
slightest suspicion, all my plans would DE
upset, and the time is at hand now, day
OF two at the outside"
Thank God / am eating my heart out
here"
Courage, cavaliere: 1t will end soon.
BY the way. is Bayard right in saying you
have enlisted st. Armande?"
Eyes, your eminence."
"Ciel! l should not have thought he
would have been one for your purpose. But
that is your affair."" and he began to
laugh.
II have seven good swords behind me,
POUR eminence. The chevalier may or may
DOT do well; but could hardly refuse his
request"
D'Amboise made no answer, and our in
terview came to close. l would, however,
add here that nothing ever came of the
burning of the inn. No complaint was ever
laid, as far as could find out, and the mat
ter might have been an everyday occur
renee, SO little attention did it excite.
Of course did not know that affairs had
reached to such pitch of disorder in Rome,
and lived in hourly expectation, notwith-
standing the cardinals speech, of having
considerable worry over the revengeful zeal
bf Jacopo. took care that no such thing
was likely to occur again. and Master ia
copo was penitent, swearing he would never
give me further cause for annoyance. At
the levee, that morning, st. Armande was,
"a usual, beside me. and whispered to hiIa
TO hold himself in readiness, as the time
Tor our business was at hand.
81 am glad of that" he answered. his
face lighting up.
81 attend the cardinal to-day to the vati-
ean," ] said, by way of continuing the con-
versation.
'There will be much going on this even
ing" he made reply. The Florcntine en-
Soy has been here for the past two days,
and the affair at the vatican tonight is in
his honor. Do you know that you have
excited great curiosity in the hearts Of the
court ladies?"
Indeed. 1t is not my way"
"ls it not? Well, Lucrezia expressed a
particular desire to see YOU
II trust it may not lead to the Tlber,
ehevalier. The attentions of the Lady Lu-
crezia are trifle dangerous"
Ills face became very grave.
''Be civil to her, nothing more" he whis-
pered. "You are quite right. Oh, how
hate that place!"-and he shivered little.
swell, we will soon be out of it"
"Please God!"
There was no one at the high table at
dinner that day, both the cardinal and Bay
ard having gone to dine with Sforza at the
Eforza Cesarini, quite an informal business,
and none of the suite accompanied them.
The conversation at our table turned
much on affairs, and, as there were for once
no guests. speech was very free.
"The Acur-de-lis will cover our tongues"
said lie Clerc, land to-day we may let them
wag."
Then how long is this truce to last?"
hsked De Briconnet, the captain of the
cardinals guard. ~ am sick of this Idle
hess here" he added.
"As for that, no man knows whether it is
peace or war" replied LeClerc. "Tremouille
II chatting at Passignano. swearing that the
game was ours if we had only let him march
ON after fossombrone. and he was right.
Now Cesare hiss stamped out the Magone
league, and the Borgia are as strong as
ever"
How came such q man AZ Roderigo Bor-
MA ever to be made pope." asked.
lie Clerc laughed a he passed on the
Orviete.
.When our lord. the sainted Innocent.
1as called away, there weEe three tAxQglte9