Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-10-12

had been closely observing them, "the king
Is much displeased."
Had the duchess observed the monarcf's
lack of warmth? At any rate somewhat
perpleXedly she regarded the departing fig
ure or the king; then humming lightly
turned to a mirror to adjust a ringlet which
had fallen from the golden net binding her
tresses.
Mere de dieu! woman never held man
or king-by signing" she thought, and
laughed, remembering the Countess Of
ChateaUbriant; a veritable Niobe when the
monarch had sent her home.
But Triboulet drew a wry face: his little
heart was beating TREMENDOUSLY: dark shad-
ows crossed his mind. Two portentous
stars had appeared in the horoscope of his
destiny; he who had been the foreign fool;
she who was the daughter Of the constable.
Almost fercely the hunchback surveyed the
beautiful woman before him. With her
downfall would come his own, and he be-
lieved the king had wearied Of her. How
hateful was her fair face to him at that
moment! Already in Imagination he ex-
rerienced the bitterness Of the fall from
his high estates. and shudderingly looked
back to his own lowly beginning, a begsa.-
~ street-player of bagpipes; ragged.
pers; reviled by every urchin. But she,
meeting his glance and reading his thought
only clapped her hands recklessly.
How unhappy you look she said.
Madam, do you think the duke" he
began.
Il think he will cut off your head" she
exclaimed. and Triboulet turned yellow: but
few moments later took heart, the duch-
ess was so lightsome.
by my sword-if had one-our jestresa
has made a triumphant return" comment
ed Caillette as he stood with the Duke Of
Frtedwald near one OF the windows survey
Ing the animated scene. Already are some
Of the ladies Jealous as Barbary pigeons.
Her appearance has been remarked by the
attendance, and-look! Now the great De
Guise approaches her. Here one belongs
to everybody"
The other did not answer and Caillette
glanced quickly at him. You will not think
me overbold." he went on after a moments
hesitation. III mention what is being
whispered by them?' including in a look
and the uplifting of his eyebrows the entire
court.
The duke laid his hand warmly on the
shoulder of the poet-foOL us there not
that between US which precludes the ques-
tion?'' -g-
Il should not venture to speak about it,
continued Caillette. meeting the dukes gaze
frankly. but that you once honored me
with your confidence. That I was much
puzzled when l met you and-our erstwhile
dismiss my wonderment and not strive to
reconcile my neighbor's affairs. But when
I hear every one talking about my-friend,
1t is no gossip's task to come to him with
the unburdening of the prattle."
What are they saying, Caillette?" asked
the duke. in his eyes a darker look.
THAT you would wed this maid. but that
the king will use his friendly Offices with
Charles to prevent It.
"And do they say why Francis will 50
use his influence? 2" continued the other
Because OF the claim such q union might
give an allen house to a vast estate in
France: the confscated property of tho
constable Of Dubrois. And-but the other
reason IL but babble, nalice-what you
WILL And Caillette's manner quickly
changed from grave to frivolous. ''Now,
au revoir: Tn, or to Fools hail." he con-
cluded. whenever It becomes DUH for
you. seek some OF your old comrades there.A
And laughing. Catiiette disappeared
(ro be concluded tomorFow.)