The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-07-19
CHAPTER xxx.
is REASSURED.

The young mans brow drew dark; tumult-
uous thoughts filled his brain; Caillette's
words, Brusquet's rhymes confirming his
own conviction, ranked in his mind This
King dared arrogate a law absolute unto
himself; it's statutes, his own caprices; its
canons, his own pretensions? The duke re-
membered the young girls outburst against
the monarch and a feeling of hatred arose
in his breast; his hand involuntarily
sought his sword, the blade of Franciss i'm
placable enemy
1--WE have heard your story, my child,
from our brother. the Emperor" the King
was saying, land although your father re-
against the daughter"
Sire" she answered, in a low tone, 81 re-
greet the Emperor should have acquainted
you with this matter"
You have no cause for fear" Francis re-
piled, misinterpreting her words. She Of
fered no response, and the duke, moving
into the light, observed the King was re-
garding the young girl intently. his tall fig
ure conspicuous above the courtiers.
Flushed, Jacqueline looked down: the
white-robed form, however very straight
and erect: her hair, untrammeled with the
extreme conventions of the day: a single
flower a spot of color amid its abundance.
Even the duchess-bejeweled, bedecked,
tricked out-in her own mind had pro-
nounced the young girl beautiful, and there
surely was no mistaking the covert admira-
tion of the monarch as his glance encom-
passed her. Despite her assumed composure,
it was obvious to the duke. however, that
only by strong effort had she nerved her
self to that evenings task; the red hue on
her cheeks, the brightness of her eyes, told
of the suppressed excitement her manner
failed to betray.
why should you leave with CharlesT'
continued Francis. Perhaps were we over
hasty in confiscating the castle of the con-
stable. Vrai Dieu,'' he added, medtatively.
Had he unbent but little! Marguerite
told us we were driving him to despair but
the Queen Regent and the rest of our coun-
selors PREVAILED He broke off abruptly and
directed a holder gaze to hers. MAY not a
monarch. Mademoiselle undo what he has
dOne?"
Even a King cannot give life to the
dead" she replied, and her voice sounded
hard and unyielding.
NO." he assented. modify, but it would
not be impossible to restore the castle-to
his daughter
"Sire." she exclaimed in surprise; then
shook her head. with your Majestys per-
mission. shall leave with the Emperor"
Francis made an impatient movement
her infiexibility recalled one who long ago
had renounced his fealty to the throne; her
| resistance kindled the flame that had been
smoldering in his breast
But If 1 have pointed out to the Emperor
that your proper station is here?" he went
on. If he recognizes that it would be to
your disadvantage to divert that destiny
which lies in France?"
His words were measured; his manner
tinged with seeming paternal interest; but.
as through mask, she discerned his face,
| cynical libidinous, the countenance of a Sy-
barite, not King. The air became Sitting;
| the ribaldry of laughter enveloped her; in
stinctively she glanced around, and her rest
less. troubled gaze fell upon the duke.
What was it he read in her eyes? A con-
fession of insecurity, fear; a mute appeal?
Before it all his doubts and misgivings van
ished; the look they exchanged was like that
| when she had stood on the staircase in the
| inn.
Upon the monarch, engrossed in his pur-
pose, it was lost. If silence give consent.
then had she already acquiesced in wish
which. from King, became a demand. But
Francis, ever complainant, with an incon-
sistent chvalry worthy of the subterfuge OF
his character. desired to appear forbearing.
indulgent.
For your own sake" he added, must we
refuse that permission you ask of u.s."
She did not answer. and, noting the direc-
ton of her gaze, the eager expectancy writ
ten on her face, Francis turned sharply. AT
the same time the duke stepped forward.
The benignity faded from the Kings man.
| ner; his countenance, which lat no time
would have made a mans fortune" became
rsncorous. caustic; the corners OF his mouth
appeared almost updrawn To his nostrils He
had little reason TO care for the duke, aud
this interruption, so fragrant. menacing al
most, did not tend TO enhance his regard. In
nowise daunted. the young man stood before
him.
81 trust. sire. your Majesty will reconsid-
! er your decisionf'