The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1902-10-29

any longer.
The clerk bowed low. and departed
upon his mission and 1t the same time
he went ont, Picard. the magnificent,
who allowed himself TO be cal!ct! valet
10 the Ghcyalier De Naudrcy. entered.
"Ah. Picard. J am glad that you
have come. wish to speak TO YOU
about your master. How is he behar-
iug ninsrii:
Here was a chance for Picard which
he was not disposed to let slip him.,
and after his cXtraVagant bows. he an
swcrcd in his peculiar voice:
"With all due respect, my lord, his
conduct is ScandalOus. perfectly scan
daloUs. and unbccOming nObleman
Of his rank"
Picard looked Tor some expression OF
surprise upon his listeners face, and
| failing to see it there. continued, in an
! injured tone. as il his masters be-
havior was a reflection upon him as a
servant.
"Formerly he had a few gentlemen
associates. with whom he occasionally
amused himself" said Picard, slowly,
and saw life, thereby giving me some
opportunities. Alas! it is different
now. For the last three months he
has changed entirely. Indeed, my
lord, my life has become SO monoton-
OTIS, that man Of spirit like myself
cannot stand it any longer"
Am l TO understand that you wish
to leave his seryicc?" asked the minis
ter, with preoccupied look upon his
face.
Yes. my lord" exclaimed Picard,
eagerly. The chevalier, your nephew
has principles which can no longer
accept. They clash with all my
opinions, and although the cheyalier
thinks proper to compromise his no.
biity, | can not compromise my
livery" and 4 look Of virtuouS indigna-
tion was Picard's round face, giving it
4 very comical appearance.
Very we'll" said De Linieres, Il
viii take you back into my service"
You Will" exclaimed Picard, in
delight. and then giving sigh Of re-
lief. and strengthening himself up as
| far as his diininutive stature would
| permit. he added: "Ah. my lord. you
have relieved me. and l resume my
personal dignity"
Il will do as I have said, on one
condition." added the count, and at
this. Picard's face heightened wonder
fully. Il wish you to remain for a
time with my nephew. 1t is impor,
tant that | should know his move
ments. l could employ the police, but
l have already learned too much from
them, and through you who are at
tached to him, l desire to know the
rest;
The rest?" echoed Picard, in amaze
ment. What has he been dcing?"
and now his face frightened as he
thought himself upon the verge OF dis
covcry of an escapade Of his masters
which was all the faithful valet hung
cred fOr.
They know that after the duel
The duel. What duel?" interrupt
ed Picard. forgetting, in his eagerness
| to know al. the respect due the minis
| ter of police.
DO you pretend not to know that
he killed the Marquis De PreslesS in
duel about woman?" asked the
count, while he regarded the valet
| WlUn piercing gaze.
He fought a duel, and dangerously
wounded his antagonist, and on ac
count of woman" exclaimed Picard
in an ecstasy of delight that his mast
er should be concerned in such affairs
which Picard considered the only prop
er thing for a nobleman to do. "Oh
the sly dog and I wanted to leave
him."
Mono. not yet" Saio The count
quickly, catching the last Of the valet:
remark. without hearing the first. -!
desire that you remain with him: anc
discover where he hides himself" "
"OfcoUrSe l will" exclaimed Picard
now perfectly willing to remain with
the cheyalier any length Of time. u
thought he would not disgrace the
blood of u French nObleman. Certain
ly. III tina out this Saucy little beauty
for whom he neglectS all his friends,
and he added, in a tone Of connois
seur, of course she must be little anc
saucy. with a jaunty, piQuant air
That's the style ! like"
Ca, indeed" said the count in sur
prise.
"Doubtless he had done everything
in good STYLE continued Picard, who
in his ecstasy was imperyious to every
thing but the one satisfactory idea
that now engrossed all his thoughts
He has probably taken some elegant
quiet little house, the rooms hung in
velvet, and furnished in silk and
laceS. with everything Of the sort"
why, at that rate you will ruin
Jour master" said the count, Surpris'
ed at this phase Of Picard's character
which he had never seen before.
IF she's worth the trouble, where's
the harm in little ruin?" asked the
valet, innoccntly.
| How much longer Picard would have
continued TO express his delight, and
what he might not have said to furth-
er surprise the count, is a matter OF
conjecture. for at this moment the
Countess dc LiniereS was announced,
and the count at once dismissed
Picard, with an injunction not to for
get his orders.
u will obey them, MY lord" said
the valet, as he bowed himself out,
and during his walk to his masters
house, he muttered to the infinite
delight Of the gamins who heard him,
"Oh. Master Chevalier, you are sly
dog, and l thought you a saint
rs the countess entered, her husband
greeted her atfectionately, and con-
Quoted her toa seat.
Il was about TO come to YOU" said
the count. but you have anticipated
me. dSire to speak with you on the
subject Of your nephew, the Chevalier
de Naudrey, and to ask you to prepare
him for the marriage which the
king 4
Wishes to impose on him. inter:
rupted the countess, bitterly.
Impose on him?' repeated De
LINERS. 1T isa magnificent alliance,
which Will complete the measure OF
the distinguished honors with which
his majesty deigns to favor u.s."
Have you spoken to the chevaliel
YETI"
NO: but am expecting him every