Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-10-09

the kings power?" ventured a courier
who wore a begemmed torsade and a cloak
of Genoa velvet.
The monarch leaned back in his great
chair and his face grew harsh. AS he sat
there muSing, his yirility and iron figure
gave him rather the appearance of the SOL
der than the emperor. This impression his
surroundings further emphasized, for the
walls of the tent were covered. not with the
gOrgeous-colored gobelins of the pleasure
loving French. but with severe and stately
tapestries from his native Flanders depict
ing in somber shades various scenes of mar
tial triumph. When he raised his head he
cast look of ominous displeasure upon the
last speaker.
Had he not once the English king be-
meath his roof" answered the monarch.
"At Ambrose. where we visited Francis
some years ago, was there any restraint
put upon us?'
A grim smile crossed his features at the
recollection Of the gorgeous fetes in his
honor on that other occasion. Perhaps too.
he thought OF the excitements held out by
those servitors of the king the frail and
fair ladies Of the court. for he added:
Saints ct saintes. twas palace Of pleas
But enough of this! 1t is time we rode on.
Let the cavalcade. with the tents, follow
behind"
Think you, your ma jesty If the princess
be not vet married to the bastard. she is
like to espouse the true duke?'' asked the
courtier. a soldier left the tent to carry
out the orders Of the emperor.
Charles arose abruptly. "Of a surety!
He must have loved her greatly, else
The Gathering Of hoofs. drawing nearer
interrupted the emperor's nominations, and,
wheeling sharply. he gazed without. A
band of horsemen appeared on the mount
1.-THE outriders!'' he said in surprise
"Why have they returned?"
''They are bearing some one on a litter"
answered the attendant noble. "and-cap
de Dieu-there Is woman with themr'
Ao fhn ~A1l
strobe forward. Out in the sunlight his
face appeared older. more careworn. but
although 1t cost him an effort to walk
his step was unfaltering. A moment he
surveyed the men with peremptory glance
and then. casting one look at their burden
uttered an exclamation. His surprise, how
ever was of short duration. At once his
features resumed their customary rigor.
What does this mean?' he asked. short
ly. addressing the leader of the soldiers
us he badly hurt?"
THAT I cannot say. your majesty" re-
piled the man. "A horse fell upon his Leg
which Is badly bruised. and there may be
other injuries"
Where did YOU find him?" continued the
emperor, still regarding the pale face Of
the PLEASANT
Not far from here. your majesty. The
woman was sitting in the road, holding his
head"
Charles glance swiftly sought the jestress
and then returned.
after we came a squad Of men appeared
from the opposite direction. When they
saw US they fled The woman insisted upon
being brought here when she learned of
your majesty's presence"
Take the injured man into the next tent
and see he has every care. As for the wo-
man. will speak with her alone"
Your ma1esty's orders to break camp"
began the courtier.
1--WE have changed our mind and will
remain here for the present" And the
emperor. without further words turned and
re-entered his pavilion.
With his hands behind him, he stood
thoughtfully leaning against table; hts
counfenance had become somber. morose.
The twinges Of pain from a disease which
afterward caused him to abdieate the
throne and relinquish all power and world
~ vanities for a life OF religious meditation
began to make themselves felt Love
ambftion-what were they? The perfshable
hesh-was 1t the all-in-all? Those sudden
pangs Of the body seemed IKE over-forward
confessors abruptly admonishing him.
The Jester and the woman-Francis and
the princess-what had they become to
him nowf Figures In an Intangible. illiisory