The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-07-20
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81 FREDERIC S. ISHAM.
CHAPTER xxx.
THE FAvoRITE is Treasured.

t lChap'er xxx is repeated for benefit of
: CHAPTER xxx
e THE FAvORITE is Treasured.
The young mans brow drew dark: tumul
, uous thoughts filled his brain; Caillette
5 words, Brusauet's rhymes, confirming h
I own conviction, ranked in his mind Tn
KING dared arrogate a law absolute unit
nimseif; Its statutes. his own caprices; II
canons. his own pretensions? The duke ~
memoered the young girls outburst agsins
the monarch and feeling of hatred aros
In his breast; his hand involuntaril
sought his sword. the blade of Francis's i'm
placable enemy.
we have heard your story my child
from our brother, the Emperor" the Kin
was saying. land although your father re
oeiled against his monarch. we harbor it no
against the daughter"
sire, she answered, In a low tone, 'T re
greet the Emperor should have acquainte,
you with this matter"
You have no cause for fear" Francis re
piled. misinterpreting her words. She of
1ered no response, and the duke, moving
into the light. observed the King was re
saroins the young girl intently his tall fig
ure conspicuous above the courtiers.
F1ushed, Jacqueline looked down; the
wnite-robed form. however, very straigh,
and erect; her hair. untrammeled with the
\ extreme conventions of the day: a single
hover a spot of color amid it's abundance
Even the duchess-bejeweled, bedecked
tricked out-in her own mind had pro-
nounced the young girl beautiful, and there
surely was no installing the covert admira-
ton OF the monarch his glance encom-
passed her. Despite her assumed composure,
1t was obvious to the duke, however, that
only by strong effort had she nerved her
| self to that evenings task; the red hue on
her cheeks. the brightness Of her eyes. told
OF the suppressed excitement her manner
failed to betray.
why should you leave with Charles?"
continued Francis. Perhaps were we over
nasty In confiscating the castle of the con-
stable Vrai Dieu," he added, meditatiyely.
Hao ne unbent but a little! Marguerite
told US we were driving him to despair, but
the queen Regent and the rest of our coun-
seiors prevailed" He broke off abruptly and
directed a holder gaze to hers May not
monarch. Mademoiselle. undo what he has
done?"
Even King cannot give life to the
Dead she replied, and her voice sounded
hard and unyielding.
No. he assented. modify, but it would
not be impossible to restore the castle-to
his daughter"
SIRE! she exclaimed in surprise: then
shook her head. with your Maiesty's per
mission. shall leave with the Emperor"
Francis made an impatient movement;
her infiexibility recalled one who long ago
had renowned his fealty to the throne: her
resistance kndled the flame that had been
smoldering in his breast
But If have pointed out to the Emperor
that your proper station is here?" he went
on. If he recognizes that 1t would be to
your disadvantage to divert that destiny
which lies in France?
His words were mea sured: his manner
Hinged with seeming paternal interest: but.
as through mask, she discerned his face.
cynical libidnous. the countenance of a Sy-
barite not King. The air became sitting:
the ribaldry of laughter enveloped her; in
stinctively she glanced around, and her rest
less, troubled gaze fell upon the duke.
What was 1t he read in her eyes? con-
fession of insecurity, fear; a mute appealp
Before it all his doubts and misgivings van
ished; the look they exchanged was like that |
when she had stood on the staircase in the |
inn.
Upon the monarch. engrossed in his mr.
pose, it was lost. If silence give consent |
then had she already acquiesced in . wish |
which, from King, became a demand. But |
Francis. ever complaisant with an incon-
sistent chivalry worthy Of the subterfuge of |
his character. desired to appear forbearins. |
ndulgent.
For your own sake" he added, must we
refuse that permission you ask of u.s.
She did not answer, and, noting the direc-
ion of her gaze. the eager expectancy writ
zen on her face, Francis turned sharply. At
he same time the duke stepped forward
The benignity faded from the Kings man.
Ter; his countenance, which lat no time
would have made a mans fortune" became
ancorous. caustic; the corners of his mouth
appeared almost updrawn to his nostrils He
lad little reason to care for the duke, and
his interruption, so fragrant, menacing al
most. did not tend to enhance his regard In
lowise daunted, the young man stood before
linn.
II trust, sire. your Majesty will reconsid-
With strained look the young girl re-
arded. them. To what new dangers had she |
ummoned him? Was not she, the duke
he King, for the present at least? And
moving we'll Francis's headstrong passions.
is violence when crossed. it was not strange |
I that moment her heart sank; she felt on |
he brink of an abyss; a nameless peril
oward which she had drawn the COMPANION |
T her flight. 1t seemed an endless interval
efore the monarch spoke
"Ah, you heard!'' remarked Francis at
,ngth, satirically.
Inadvertently. SIRE" answered the duke.
lis voice was steady. his face pale but in
is blue eyes a CLINT as of fire came and
Tent. Self assurance marked his bearing.
ignity. pride. He looked not at the Young
irl. but calmly met the scrutiny of the
ing. The latter surveyed him from head 70
,ot then suddenly stared hard at a sword
hose hilt cleaned even brighter than his
wn. and was fashioned in a form that re- |
allied not imperfectly a hazard of other
avs.
Where did you get that blade?' he asked.
bruptly.
From the daughter of the Constable of
ubrois."
why did she give it to your
ITO protect her. SIRE"
The monarch's countenance becs me moro |
loughtful; less acrimonious How the pres
IT seemed involved in the past Were |
ngs, then, enmeshed in the web of their |
vn acts? Were even the gods not exemnt
ON retributory justice? Those were DAYS Of |
lperstition, when a coincidence assumed |
e importance of inexorable destiny.
'Once was ii drawn against me-" said
rancis, refiectively.
II trust. sire. Ii may never again be dra wn