The Washington times., 1902-09-28

cne another by wagging Of the head
They wore gray coats with black col
lars, gray CT green cravats, carried cud.
gels. and decreed that all men should
have the hair plated, powdered, and
| fastened up NTH comb, like them
selves! The wearer of queue was like
| ly to be knocked on the head. These
creatures used to congregate at the old
Feydeau Theater, or meet around the
entrance of the Louvre to talk classical
jargon. and wag!"
The Marquis de Plessy drew himself
together with strong shudder. l had
the desire to stand between him and the
shocks of an alien world. Yet there was
about him a tenacious masculine
strength, an adroitness of se;f-protec-
tion which needed no champion.
"Did the Indian tell you about man
named Bellenger?" inquired.
"Bellenrer is part of the old story
about the tlaupbin's removal. l heard OF
him first at Coblenz. And I understand
row that he is following you with au-
other dauphin, and objecting to you III
various delicate ways. Napoleon Bona
way to be master OF Europe, because he
has nice sense OF the values Of men
and the best head for detail that was
ever formed In human shape. There
is something almost supernatural in
his grasp Of affairs. He lets moth
ing escape him. The only mis-
take he ever made was butchering the
young Duke d'Enghien-the courage and
clearness OF the man wavered that one
instant; and by the way. he borrowed my
name for the dukes incognito during the
journey under arrest! England. Russia,
Austria, and Sweden are combining
against Napoleon. He will beat them.
For while other men sleep. or amuse
themselves. or let circumstance drive
them, he is planning success and pro-
viding for all possible contingencies.
Take leaf out OF the generals book.
my boy. No enemy is contemplate. If
you want to force the hand of fortune
scheme!--scheme!-al the time!-out-
scheme the other fellow!"
The marquis rose from the table.
II am longer Tinded,'' he said, ethan
a man named De Chaumont. who has
been importuning Bonaparte, in season
and out Of season. to reinstate an Amer
lean emigre, Madame de Ferrier."
"will Bonaparte restore her lands?"
Iasked, feeling my voice like rope in
my. throat.
do you know her family?'
II knew Madame de Ferrier in Amer
ica."
Their estate lies next to mine. And
what is the little De Ferrier like since
she is grown"
"A beautiful woman
"Ah-ah! Bonaparte's plan will then
be easy of execution. You may see her
this evening here in the Faubourg st.
Germain. / believe she is to appear at
Madame de Permon's, where Bonaparte
may look in
My host bolted the doors Of his private
cabinet and took from the secret part
of a wall cupboard the queens jewell
case. We opened it between us. The
first thing 1 noticed was gold snuff
box, set with portraits Of the king, the
queen, and their two children.
How knew them cannot tell Their
pictured faces had never been put before
my conscious eyes until that moment.
Other portraits might have been there.
fad no doubt, no hesitation.
/ was on my knees before the face
I had seen in spasms Of remembrance
with oval cheeks, and fair hair rolled
Highland open neck-my royal mother!
Next I looked at the kline heavier OF
feature, honest and straight gazing, his
chin held upward; at the little sister.
a smaller miniature Of the queen: at
the softly nodded curves Of the child
that was myself!
The marquis turned his back
Before / could speak l rose and put |
my arms around him. He wheeled. took |
ny hand. stood at little distance, and |
kissed It.
We said not one word about the por-
traits, but sat down with the Jewell |
case again between us.
These stones and coins are also my
sisters, monsieur the marquis?'
He lifted his eyebrows.
II had ample opportunity my dear
10Y, to turn them into the exchequer OF |
The Count Of Provence Before his quar-
rel with the late Car OF Russia he
maintained dozen gentlemen-in-w wait
ng, and perhaps as many ladies'. to say
lothing of priests, servants, attendants
II attendants. and guards. This treas
ire might last him two years. If the
King of Spain and his majesty of Rus
la get wind of it, and shut off their
tensions. it would not last so long. l
m too thrifty a Frenchman to dissi-
,ate the boards of the state in foreign
arts. Yet, If you question my taste
will not say my. honesty. Lazarre-"
81 question nothing. monsieur! l ask
dvice.'
"Eh bien! Then do not be quite as
unctilious as the gentleman who got
,frned out OF the debtor side of Ste.
'elagie into an alley. This will not
o. says he. So around he posts TO the
ntrance. and asks for admittance
gain."
Catch me knocking at Ste. Pelagie
or admittance again!'
Then my advice Is to pay your tailor,
he has done his work acceptably."
"He has done it marvelously. espe-
tally in the fitting"