The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-07-09

dour played a few chords on his instru-
ment. The passion faded from the crea-
lures face; quietly he turned and sought
the chair nearest the minstrel.
Sing, master" he said.
"Diable, thou art an Unsuitable monster"
Unsuitable smiiingIy repeated the
strange being.
IF you went also. ma douce miette!
The joys of heaven I'd forego
To have you with me there below
Said Aucassin to Nicolette,"
softly sang the troubadour.
Over the gathering a marked constraint
appeared to fall. More soberly the men
shook their dice; the scamp student took up
his book, but even Horace seemed not TO
absorb his undivided attention; a mounte-
bank attempted several tricks. but failed to
amuse his spectators The candles. burning
low. began TO drip, and the servant silently
replaced them. Beneath lowering brows the
master of the boar modify regarded the
young girl. whose face seemed cold and dis
addressed a remark to her. but she did not
answer, and silently he watched the shad-
ow on the floor, of the chandelier swinging
TO and fro, like a waving sword.
Twill you have something more, good
fool?" said the insinuating and unexpected
voice of the host at the plaisants elbow.
Nothing.
"You were right not to draw" continued
the boniface with sharp look What
could Jester do with the blade? I'll war
rant you do not know how TO use it?"
TO use IL not-and save my neck"
Mine host nodded approvingly. ''Ha, a
merry fellow he said. Come; drink again.
Twill make you sleep
II have better medicine than that" re-
torted the jester. and yawned.
"Ah, WEAKNESS. I'll warrant you'll rest
like log" he added, as he moved away
At that some one who had been listening
laughed, but the fool did not look I'D. A
great clock began TO strike with harsh
clangor and Jacqueline suddenly arose At
the same time the minstrel, stretching his
arms. strolled 10 the door and out into the
open air.
voice of the master OF the boar as his glit-
tering eyes dwelt upon her graceful figure
The girl responded coldly, and. amid a
hush from the company. made her sway 10
coded by the lad who had waited upon them
and followed by the jester.
"A craven fellow for so trim a maid" con-
tinued he of the boar. as they disappeared
'She has eyes like friar's lanterns What a
decoy she'd make for the lords In Parish
Yes" assented the landlord. "a pitfall
AT the end of the passage the guide OF
jestress and fool paused before door.
'Your room. mistress" he said. And yon-
der is yours Master Jester" Then placing
the candle on a stand and vouchsafng no
further words. he shuffied OF in the dark
ness, leaving the two standing there.
Lock your door this night. Jacqueline."
whispered the fool.
You submit overeasily to an affront."
was her scornful retort, turning upon the
Jester.
Perhaps" he replied. phlegmaticaliy.
''Yet forget not the bolt
1T were more protection than you are apt
to prove" she answered and. quickly enter
ing the room. closed hard the door.
A moment he stood In indecision; then
raped lightly.
"jacaueline." he said. In a low voice.
There was no answer
"Jacqueline!'
The bolt shot sharply into place. fastening
the door. No other response would she make,
and the jester after waiting in vain for her
TO speak. turned and made his way 10 his
own chamber. adjoining hers.
Weary the young girl was. she did not
retire at once. but going TO the window.
threw wide open the blinds. Bright shone
the moon. and. leaning forth. she gazed
upon clearing and forest sleeping beneath
the soft glamour. beautiful. yet desolate
scene. with not living object visible-yes.
one. and she suddenly drew back. for there.
motlonless in the full light. and gazing
steadfastly toward her room, stood figure
In whom she recognized the Spanish trouba-
dour.
ITO be Continued Tomorrow