The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-11-29

the sleeping beauty, expeCtant even IN
dreams; the potential flower waiting the
kiss Of the sun.
It was to this ancient chateau witt. it's
suggestion of history. its atmosphere of
romance, and it's Breton wild rose, scarcely
reaching the dignity of bud yet, but still
inclosed in the soft calyx Of innocence and
ineXperience, that Grafton was brought at
the request Of De kersaint through the
complaisance Of the marquis.
1t was evening when the two gentlemen
attended by a numerous retinue, rode up
to the great gateway. The few miles
that interviewed between Brest and the
Chateau de Josselin had been passed in
animated conversation, and the acquaint
ance which had begun on the decks Of LIE
Thesee under such strange auspices, had
rlpened into a pleasant intimacy. The
daShing young American sailor had been
attracted by the evidences Of culture. the
keen but kindly humor. the rich stores Of
knowledge. possessed by the marquis and
the latter had been touched by the pleas
ant Difference and open frankness, as we'll
as the ShreWd common sense and grace
full manner. of his young companion.
When they arrived before the gate. Of
the castle as the sun had set the draw
bridge was raised, AS they waited for it
to be lowered in answer to the MARQUIS
hail, the young man remarked that it all
seemed quite medieval, fitting in appro-
priately with the wild surroundings and
the barren shore.
Monsieur answered the marquis
gravely, as if fearing covert jest, II
Keep so far as I can, the state Of my fore
fathers. This is my domain he con-
tinued. as they rode through the ranks Of
the guards who had been paraded under
meath the great gateway. and who were
dressed in quaint outlandish costumes
which reminded Grafton Of the pictures in
some old book this is my castle, these
my retainers. Here my will Is law. With
IN these walls l am supreme. saving only
the feudal rights Of my overload and mas
ter his most Christian majesty. whom
Ioo preserve. While you are here, mon
10 come and go where you will within the
walls, and should you not attempt to pass
the gate you will find nothing to remind
you that you are a prisoner. So securely
guarded is my castle, Monsieur Grafton
that do not even ask you for your parole
You hear, jean Renaud?" he added, turn
ing to the sergeant Of the guard
monsieur Grafton is an American
gentleman who honrs our poor house by
accepting its hospitality. Mark you-and
you too' monsieur, pray give heed-he IS
Tree to go anywhere but over the walls
or through the gate. See to it. jean
Renaud, that in no case is he allowed to
escape. You VIII forgive the necessity for
these orders. Monsieur Grafton, but am
responsible for you. The chatelaine?" he
added. turning again to Jean-Renaud.
where is she?"
She has retired. Monsieur lie MARQUIS"
answered jean Renaud, mot knowing
that you were to be here this evening.
Shall I go"
1T is my wish that she be not disturbed,
jean enaud. Come. captain, let us en-
ter Supper. and a bottle of wine after
our long ride will doubtless be as accept,
able to you as to me. Allow me to pre-
cede you, monsieur-only to show you the
way in these old halls, Of course"
After partaking of a generous repast
in the ancient banqueting hall of the cas-
tie. Grafton, now attended by Jean
Renaud, was shown to huge room. richly
and comfortably furnished, the windows
Of which overlooked the garden. He was
informed that this was to be his own
chamber during his sojourn at the CASTLE
Tired out by the trying experiences Of
the day. and invited thereto by a great
old-fashioned, comfortable-lookin bed
the young man Immediately retired and
soon sank to rest.