Morris tribune. [volume] (Morris, Minn.) 1880-2000, 1903-12-05

MARQUIS DE RlCHEMONT.
~ gEFORE he could answer an or
Nd der came for the prisoner to
- be brought forward. After
EY ascending fight of worn
stone steps and going through long
dark passage, great door was thrown
open at tie end and he was confronted
by blaze Of light which dazzled him
at first, until. his eyes becoming accus-
toned to the illumination, he realized
that he stood on the threshold Of a
had possibly once been the banqueting
hall of the castle. Long lancet win
dows upon one side, their loaded frames
filed with rich painted glass, looked
out upon the sea, whose waves beating
ceaselessly upon the bluff below filed
the room with subdued murmur like
a strain of hushed and vibrant music,
such was the elevation Of the tower.
The room was massively and splen-
didly furnished with heavy antique
furniture. The stone walls were COW
cred with hangings Of rich old tapestry
from the famous looms of Arras. Here
and there were portraits of distinguish
ed members Of the Westbrooke family,
women renowned for their lustrous
beauty or men who, holding the castle
at different times, had made their
names famous by their bravery and
skill. The prisoners feet sank into
thick, soft, luxurious carpet stretched
upon the stone flags of the old floor.
Writing at large table standing
near IT, center Of the room and COW
cred U':9h candelabra sat a bewigged
old man of commanding presence dress
ders ard stars bespeaking high rank.
Farther away, with her back turned
to the light and to the door by which he
had entered, a young woman sat, ap-
parently reading intently. One glance
at the graceful curve of her neck and
the exquisite poise of her head told
MIN 1t was She. F'GSetful or every
thing els, he woVld have stepped for
ward had it not been for the restrain
ing hand Of the sergeant.
'"The prisoner, m lud," said the lat
ter, saluting.
The admiral continued his writing a
moment and then, looking up, fixed his
eyes keenly upon the young man. His
first glance told him that he had to
deal, with no ordinary prisoner. He
rose at once and bowed with the cour
tesy Of finished gentleman.
"Have the goodness to step forward,
gtr, and be seated" he said, pointing to
the chair. Sergeant, remain on guard
where you are"
With an equally low bow to the older
man, O'Neill took few steps in his
direction and sat down on the indicated
chair in front of the admiral, facing
him and the woman beyond, who, still
intent upon her book or lost in thought,
had not yet noticed his entrance. Pris-
oners, in fact, being everyday occur
rences at the castle in these troublous
times, had ceased to interest her. Still
the unusual complaisance of the old
man as expressed by his voice and
manner attracted her attention. She
looked up from the book without turn
lug ueT Heiu anu ilSIeneO.
~"I am sorry to subject you to any
SIR" continued the admi-
raj, ''but the rules are very strict, and
must abide by my own regulations.
We apprehend a descent upon our
coast by the notorious pirate, John
Paul Jones"-O'Neill started violently
md bit his lip, but said nothing-"and
It is my duty to take unusual precau-
IONS" added the speaker. II must
ask your name, your station and BUSH
ness here"
II am the said O'Neill quietly, but
With his glance fixed on the powdered
head showing over the chair back op-
pOsite him.
There was commotion at the other
ode Of the table. Lady Elizabeth
Iprang to her feet with hurried ex-
:lamation. dropped her book to the !
door and then turned quickly and step !
oed toward the other two O'Neill and |
he admiral both rose at the same |
fine.
She was en- grande tenue, her hair
oiled high and powdered, jewels spar
king about the snowy throat. which
rose from the pale blue silk of her
sOrsage.
"It Isl she cried.
'"The Marquis de Richemont, at your
service, mademoiselle." O'Neill inter
:upted quickly, bowling low before her,
earring lest in her surprise she would
oetray him.
Good heavens, Elizabeth what is
he meaning Of this? Do you know
his MANI" asked the admiral in great
"Every traveller" smilingly inter-
'upted O'Neill uavely, striving to give
Elizabeth time to collect herself, with
hei appearance of the greatest sang
.roid himself. though his heart was
0eating so rapidly he could scarce
his composure, ION these is
ands has heard of the beauty of Lady
Elizabeth Howard. Her reputat ton as
!. woman of charm has even extended
o the continent whence l come. 1t
vas in the hope of having the privilege
# seeing her that walked up toward
no cf1n this ouapinn houo +I,o