The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1903-02-22
THE KINGS TRYST.
By ROBERT BARR.


throne He was at peace with England,
friendly with France, and was pledged
In take a wife from that country. HIS
sreat-grandfather, James II. had crushed
the Black Douglas, and ne himself had
scattered the Red Douglas TO exile NO
scottish noble was now powerful enough
70 threaten the stability of the throne.
The country was contented and prosper
nus so James might well take his pleas
nre as best pleased him. If any danger
lurked near him il was unseen and un-
thought OF.
The King. ever first in the chase,
whether the quarry ran on four legs o.
an two. found himself alone on the road
leading northwest from Stirring, having
outstripped his comrades in their hunt
of the deer. Evening was falling and
James being some miles from Stirring
Castle. raised his bugle to his lips to
call together his scattered followers
Lut before a blast broke the stiffness His
Majesty was accosted by a woman VINO
emerged suddenly and unnoticed from the
forest on his left hand.
my Lord. the King?" she said, and
her voice like the sound of silver bells,
thrilled with a note of inquiry
"Yes, my lassie," answered the young
man, peering down at his quesuoner'
lowering his bugle, and refining IN MS
heightened horse, which was startled
by the sudden apparition before MN
The dusk had not yet so far thickened,
but the King could see that his inter
locutor was young and striklngiy beautl-
full Although dressed in the garp OF the
lower orders. there was a quiet and i'm
posing dignity in her demeanor as she
stood there by the side o.
the road. Her head was I'M
covered. the shawl she wore over
il having slipped down to her shoulders
and her abundant hair. unknotted ano
Lnribboned, was rudy as spun gold. Hei
complexion was dazzlingly fair, her eyes
of the deepest blue. and her features
perfection, except that her small mouth
showed trifle too much firmness, a
quality which her strong but finely mold
ed chin corroborated and emphasized
The King, ever a connoisseur of woman
ly loneliness. almost held his breath as
he gazed down upon the comedy face
upturned TO him.
"They told me at Stirling" she said,
that you were hunting through this
district. and / have been searching for
you in the forest
God heavens, girl" cried the King
have you walked all the way from
Stirling?'
Aye, and much further. 1t Is nothing,
for / am accustomed to it. And now !
crave a word with Your Majesty"
Surely. SURELY" replied the King, with
enthusiasm. No thought OF danger in
CURED 10 him. The natural prudence OF
James invariably deserted him where .
pretty woman was concerned Now, in
stead of summoning his train, he looked
anxiously up and down the road, listen
ing for any sound of his men, but the
stiffness seemed to increase with the
darkness. and the silence was profound,
not even the rustic of leaf disturbing
Ii.
And who, my girl, are your" continued
the King. noticing that her eyes follow
ed his glance up and down the road with
some trace of apprehension in them, anc
that she hesitated to speak.
May it please Your Gracious Males
ty. l am a humble tirewoman to that
noble lady. Margaret Stuart, your hon
ored mother"
The King gave whistle of astonish.
ment
MY mother!" he exclaimed. "Ther
what in the name of Heaven are you do
ing here and alone. so far from Meth
ven?"
We came from Methven yesterday tC
her ladyship's castle of Doune."
Then her ladyship must have come
to a very sudden resolution to travel.
for the constable of Doune is in my
hunting party, and I'll swear he expected
no visitors"
MY gracious lady did not wish Stuart
the constable, to expect her, nor does she
now desire his knowledge of her pres.
sence in the castle. She commanded mt
to ask Your Majesty TO request the con.
stable to remain in Stirling, where sh,
understands. he spends most of his tine
with all speed and secrecy"
II wonder what is wrong now?" unused
the King II have not heard from hel
for nearly a year. She has quarreleC
with her third husband, l suppose. fol-
the Tudors are all daft where matri
mcny is concerned"
What does Your Majesty say?" asked
the girl
Il was speaking TO myself rather thar
TO you, but may add that l am read!
to go anywhere if you are to be m!
guide. Lend me your hand and sprinl
up here behind me. We Will gallop t.
Doune at once"
The young woman drew back a steI
or two.
No, no." she said. THE Lady Mar
garet is most anxious that your visi
should be unknown TO any but herself
so she begs you TO dismiss your follow
crs and lay your commands upon Con
stable Stuart of Doune.'
But my followers are all OF them Ok
enough to look after themselves. OBJ
jected the King, and the constable i
not likely to leave Stirling, where n
has remained these many months.
The Lady Margaret thought persist
ed the girl. that if your retinue return
ed to Stirling and learned of your con
tinued absence anxiety would ensue, an
search might be undertaken that woul'
extend TO Doune"
How lid my lady mother know l was
hunting when you could not have learnet
OF my excursion until you reached Stir
hngE asked the King. with a gimme
OF mat caution which appeared TO hav
deserted him
The Qirl Saar,al ...,..