The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1903-12-02

! snufboX was IL my pocket. Sopnle
Saint-Michel had often described it to
! her
She sat and looked at me, contemplat-
ing the stupendous loss.
The marquis advised me not to take
them into Russia" acknowledged.
There IS no robbery so terrible as
| the robbery committed by those who
think they are doing right
81 am one Of the losing Bourbons"
"Can anything be hidden in that
closet in the queens dressing room
wall?" mused Eagle. Il believe could
find it in the dark, Sophie told me so
often where the secret spring may be
touched. When the De Chaumonts
took me to the Tuileries wanted to
search for it. But ali the state apart
ments are now,on the second floor, and
Nine. Bonaparte has her own rooms
below. Evidently she knows nothing
Of the secrets Of the place. The queen
kept her most beautiful robes In that
closet. 1t has no visible door. The wall
opens And we have heard that door
was made through the back Of 1t to let
upon a spiral staircase of stone, and
through this the royal family made
their escape to Varennes, when they
were arrested and brought back"
We fell into silence at mention Of the
unsuccessful fight which could have
changed history, and she rose and said,
"Good night, sire"
Next morning there was such a de-
licious world to live in that breathing
was a pleasure. Dew gauze spread far
and wide over the radiant domain.
Sounds from cattle and stables and the
voices of servants drifted on the air.
Doves wheeled around their towers
and around the chateau standing like
white cliff.
walked under the green canopy,
watching the sun mount and waiting
for Nine. de Ferrier When she did
appear the old man who had served
her father followed with tray. I
could only say, Good morning, ma
! dame" not daring to add, II have
scarcely slept for thinking Of you
eve will have our coffee out here, :"
she told me.
Then the old servant gathered wall
fruit for US, and she sent some In his
hand to Paul. Through festooned
arch of the pavilion giving upon the
terraces we saw a bird dart down to
the fountain, tilt and drink, tilt and
drink again and fash away. Immedi.
ately the multitudinous rejoicing Of a
skylark dropped from upper air. When
men would send thanks to the very
gate Of heaven their envoy should be a
skylark.
Eagle was like a little girl as she lis
tened.
"This is the first day Of September,
sire"
"Is it? thought it was the first day
Of creation
"I mention the date that you may not
forget it. Because am going to give
you something today"
Ny heart leaped like conQueror's.
Then her face went grave, Ike q
child's when it is surprised In wicked
ness.
"But our fathers and mothers would
have Us forget their suffering In the
festival Of coming home, wouldn't
they, LazarreT'
"Su-ely, Eagle"
'Then why are you looking at me
with reproach?"
"I'm not
perhaps you don't like my dress"
told her it was the first time had
ever noticed anything she wore, and I
liked 1t.
81 used to wear my mothers clothes.
Ernestine and I made them over. But
this is new, for the new day and the
new life here"
"And the day" reminded her, "is
the 1st Of September
She laughed and opened her left
hand, showing me two squat keys, 80
small that both had lain concealed I'M
der two OF her finger tips.
"I am going to give you key, sire.
"Will it unlock a woman's mind"
1T will open a padlocked book. Last
night / found a little blank leaved
book with wooden covers. It was fas-
tened By a paddock, and these keys
were tied to It. You may have one
key; will keep the other"
"The key to padlocked book with
nothing in it."
Her eyes tantalhed me.
"I am going to put something IN 1t,
Sophie Saint-Michel said had gift
for-outtns down my thoughts II the
gift appeared to Sophie when I was
q child it must grow in me by use
Every day I shall put some Of my LIE
into the book, and when die Will
bequeath it to you"
"Take back the key, madame. /
have no desire to look into your cof-
fn.''
She extended her hand.
"Then our good and kind friend,
Count de Chaumont, shall have it. -
s'He shall notp'
I held to her hand and kept the key.
She slipped away from me. The
laughter Of the child yet rose through
the dignity Of the woman.
"When may read this book, EagleY'
"Nerer, Of my free will, sire. How
could I set down ali thought about
you. for instance. if the certainty was
hanging over me that you would read
my candid opinions and punish me for
thern?"
"Then Of what use is the key"
"You would rather have it than give
It to another, wouldn't you?"
Decidedly"
"Well. you Will have the key to my
thoughts"
"And if the book ever falls into my
hands
or ,viII 200 that e doe5u'tpf