The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-01-04


the duty of guarding the two TANKS of
the castle having been committed to
select body of men at arms, with or
ders to keep good watch in the lateral
streets, the constable made sure Of en-
trapping the favored lover of the lady
Rosalie, if he dared to penetrate the
stronghold of his enemy.
The constable had business at Poissy,
and was forced to mount directly after
dinner, knowing which, the poor coun-
tess had, on the preceding day, sent
him to visit her. While D'Armaignac
was betting his castle round with
guards, and laying snares of death for
his rival, Rosalie was in an agony OF
terror.
She had held a conversation with
Margarita, who assured her that
D'Armaignac knew nothing of the sto-
len interviews which had frequently Ia
ken place between the lovers, and ad-
viSed her to take into her confidence
laundress, who was employed about the
CASTLE and who was renowned all over
Paris for the fertility of her invention
and resources in matters of intrigue.
The three females deliberated togeth-
err in the hope of contriving some meth
cd of warning Savoisy of his danger,
and inducing him to remain at home
The laundress had a lover among the
archers on guard, and she hoped
through his favor to be able to go forth
and obtain an interview with the lover.
But although she went to the soldier
and essayed all her Establishments, the
man dreaded the anger of his master
more than that of his mistress, and
positively refused to let the woman
pass. The poor girl returned to the
lady in despair at her i'll luck.
The countess soon discovered that she
alone of all the household was permit
ted free egresS from the castle. OF this
she awaited herself; but hardly had she
gone a bowshot from the gate when
four pages and two captains of the
guards closed up behind her, and she
found they had orders not to quit her
for a moment.
The unfortunate lady returned to her
chamber, weeping.
''The fate of my lover is sealed" said
She Too well know the constable's
ferocity. Once within his power,
Savoisy will never leave these walls
alive. The cruel, ravenOus sword or
D'Armaignac will be stained with the
best blood of his noble heart. see
but one way to save hint is a terri
BILE alternative-life for life-but be-
tween the two 1 shall not hesitate"
Before condemning the countess for
adopting the terrible alternative which
the sequel will disclose, we must re-
member that the age in which she lived
was an age of blood. Human life was
held of light account; deeds of violence
were daily enacted-and even delicate
women shuddered not at their recital or
even their commission. Rosalie D'Clair-
Vile, beautiful, high born and refined
as she was, in many respects, was not
advanced beyond her period in her man
ner of thinking and acting.
Il shall save my lover" she said, dry
ing her tears-'I shall save my lover.
though at terrible price,
With these words she took her prayer
book, and issuing forth from the castle,
moved slowly towards the Church of st
Paul, whence the solemn bells were
sum moning the worshippers to mass
Like most of the court ladies, the coun-
tess rarely missed this ceremony. There
We're always seen the most distinguish
ed danes and cavaliers in the richest
costumes. So the countess went forth
in full pomp. accompanied by the two
captains and a chosen guard of steel
clad men-at-armS.
Among the gallant knights who fire.
quented the church there was more
than one who had sighed to possess the
radiant charms of the countess. Among
those who looked oftener towards the
ladies' seats than to the altar and the
priests was one whom the countess
had often bestowed the charity of
kind look, because he was more hum
BILE and earnest in his homage than his
fellows. This gentleman always stood
apart, resting against the same pillar,
stirring not, and appeared wrapped up
in quiet contemplation of the beauteous
lady. His pale face wore an expression
of sweet melancholy. He was evidently
one of those who exist on ardent pas
sion, and lose themselves in hopeless
loves.
This gentleman, though his garments
We're we'll made, suitable and chaste,
and though there was a certain air of
taste in his appointments, seemed to
the countess to be a poor knight, seek
ing distinction, and having fortune
but his cloak and sword. Thus, whether
she suspected his secret poverty, or be-
cause she felt he loved her well, or be-
cause he was handsome, well-shaped
and dark-haired, she always wished
him fame and fortune. Now she threw
towards him some kindly glances, some
looks of encouragement which reach
ed his heart like gnawing asps, and
sported with his young life like prin-
cess accustomed to sport with more
precious objects than an hum BILE
cavalier.
She had finally learned his history. He
was a young and bannerleSS knight.
named Julian de Montespan, who had
not inherited a single acre with his
fief. and who had come to court in
hopes to push his way by his good
looks and his sword. He had seen the