Omaha daily bee., 1903-05-31
CHAPTER III.
Majesty.


There was more of hurry than of kinglv
dignity in the entrance of Charles. The
handsome face was married by an i'm
perious righteousness that, for the moment.
detracted from its acknowledged nobility.
STAFFORD" he cried, im~patientIy, 'I
have been kept waiting. Servants are at
this moment searching palace and park
Tor YOU. Where have you been?"
Il was In the forest, your majesty. I am
deeply grieved to learn that you needed
me-"
II never needed you more than now.
Are you ready to traveI?"
Stranord's gloomy face almost lighted
up.
ION the instant. your majesty" h re-
piled with a sigh of relief.
That is we'll. 1 trust your malady is
alleviated. In some measure at least, still
/ know that sickness has never been a bar
to duty with you. Yet l ask no man to
do what 1 am not willing to do myself for
the good of the state, and 1 shall be shortly
on the road at your heels"
WHITTIER. your majesty?'' asked the earl
with falling countenance, for 1t was to
Ireland he desired to journey, and he knew
the king had no intention of moving toward
the west.
'"To London, of course: a short stent over
bad roads. But If you are ailing and fear
the highway, a barge on the river is at
your disposal"
ITO Londoni" echoed the earl, something
almost akin to dismay in his tone. Il had
hoped your majesty would order me to Ire
land, which l assure your majesty has been
somewhat neglected of late"
Yes, yes" exclaimed the king, brusquely,
81 know your anxiety i'm hat quarter. A
man ever thinks that task the most i'm
portant with which he intimately deals.
but my position gives me a view over the
whole realm, and the various matters of
state assume their just proportions in my
eyes, their due relations to each other.
Ireland is well enough, but it is the heart
and not the Limbs of the empire that re-
quircs the physicians care. Parliament has
opened badly, and is like to give trouble
unless treated with n firm hand"
The hand of the earl appeared anything
but firm. II waYered as It sought the sup
port of the chairs arm.
Have / your majesty's permission to be
seated? am not we'll" STAFFORD said
family.
Surely. surely" cried the king, himself
taking a chair. "I am deeply grieved to
see you so unwell, but a journey 10 London
is a small matter compared with a march
upon Dublin, which Is like TO have killed
you in your present condition"
Indeed, your majesty, the smaller jour
ney may well nave the more fatal termina-
tion," the earl, but the king
paid no attention to the remark, for his
wandering eye now caught sight of a third
I'm the conference, which brought surprised
displeasure to his brow. The girl was
standing behind the high back of the chair
In which abe had been seated. in a gloomy
angle where the freight which played so
plainly on the king and STAFFORD did not
touch her.
I'm Gods name, whom have We here?
How comes this girl in my palace, so in
innate with my Lord Strafford?'
The slumbering suspicion of Charles was
aroused.
'She brings me proof, which I cannot
deny, that she IL my eldest daughter"
Your eldest daughter cried the king,
amazed. us your family, then, SO far I'm
known to you that such a claimant may
spring up at any timer"
II was married privately 70 the daughter
of Sir John Warburton. circumstance
separated me from my wife. and although
her father informed me curtly of her death,
he said nothing OF issue"
WELL" said Charles. MY Lord STRAIT
ford" he continued, reverting to his sub
ject, "you will go to London. Them"
Instantly, your majesty"
II will consult with you there tomorrow.
And have no fear, for on my path as a
man, on my honor as a king. 1 will protect
you"
TIL king rose "a left the room as
abruptly as he had entered II.