The Beaver herald. [volume] (Beaver, O.T. [Okla.]) 1895-1923, 1900-03-08

life had enfeebled his constitution. lie 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
npnrt, and his hair, which was naturally
straight. he wore carefully curied. in a
length that all but touched hia shoulders
lie was dressed in q tight. lifting surcoat OF
green. with green trunk hose and stockings
Of tho same color. A short cloak, also Of
green, fell from HE shoulder. md 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 velvet cap
lapclled in front and on either side. and alive
with the light jewels, with which u was
studded. lie was playing king in the game.
Nine. de Ia Tremouille acting as queen, and
the rival king was Trcmoulle himself, who
had for his partner Isabel the Good, the wife
Of Gonsaga Of Mnntua, a princess dstin.
guishcd alike for her beauty and her virtue
a little apart from the players, and watch
ing the game with n grave interest, stood
Eticnne de Vesci. the seneschal Of l,eau.
cairc. who was, after the cardinal, the most
powerful man IN France. and. indeed. was
supposed by many to have more OF the kings
ear, Close by him were number Of ladies,
and ran my eye amongst them and around
the hall, hoping in vain to catch sight ot the
one face onged TO see. Whilst 80 engaged
De Ncsci observed me, and seeing the pa.
pcrs in my hand made an iinpcrious gesture,
reckoning me towards him. This pretend.
ed not TO observe, and the scncschal, biting
his lips. edged his way towards me. IL was
easy TO sec from my Travelled and stained mp
pcarancc. the red on my spurs, and the
Ia L.. a ..,t
news.
"Is not monsieur aware" he snih, in a
harsh voice. speaking IN French, that pa.
pcrs for the king should he brought TO mc?"
These urc for the kings hand" l an
swcrcd
ut is enough. Give them to me-" and he
held forth his hand.
II have said, my lord that they are for
his majesty's own hands"
lIayard, who was watching the game now
| drawing to a close, turned round at this,
| and, grasping the matter, cut in.
"CielI My lord, let the cavaicre deliver
his packet. II will come to you soon
enough. Take a holiday for once"
| De Ncsci frOwned, aud was about TO make
| n hot answer, when there was n sudden
shout and clapping Of hands. and Louis.
who had won the game. came forward lead
ing Nine. de Ia lrcmoule in triumph. The
last move was made but few feet from US,
and as the king faced round with his part.
ncr he caught sight Of our group and called
out IA he advanced
"Vic,ory! We have won. Why those
black looks. De Vcsci! Come and eongratu'
late u.s."
with an effort the scncschal smootbsd his
face, "victory always attends your maj
esty. and with so fair a partner defeat would
be impossible" and be bowed with eourtly
grace; but the wrinkles Of his frown were
still on bis forehead. The duchess grew red
with pleasure ut the compliment, and Louis
cluppcd bis hands like boy,
Excellent! Trust a eourtiers lip for q
soft speech" and then, observing me, but
what have we here!"
From Rome, your majesty" and, drop.
plns 70 my knee. ] presented NJ pspsrs'