The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1903-07-20
CHAPTER vi.
BETRAYAL,

Betrayal.
There followed many days Of suspense
Despite the fervor Of Pym's speech the
Commons had not asked the Lords for
judgment, And Strafford's friends hailed it
as good omens. But the Commons speedi-
ly dissillusioned them. A bill Of attainder
was brought in. They would have the
head of STAFFORD by act Of parliament
If not by the legal procedure.
To the amaze of all, the lords gave their
consent to the bill, and nothing stood be-
!, tween Strafford's head and the block ex-
cept a scrawl from the kings hand.
On Monday there were ever increasing
rumors that Charles had signed the bill,
which would send his chief minister to the
block. But by nightfall news came that
the bill had been signed, not by the kings
own hand, but by four commissioners
whom he had appointed for the purpose.
Even the house of comm IONS was amazed,
and the friends of the earl were mute with
dismay. But shrewd men pointed out
that the case In reality was no worse. At
any moment the king could free his min
lister or mitigate bis sentence, and
Charles was free to reprieve the earl even
at the last moment.
Frances determined to see the king her
eslf and learn from his own lips the fate
of her father.
Wednesday, saw no excitement on the
streets. People were going soberly about
their affairs and this was a hopeful sign
to Frances, who had grown to fear the
hue and cry Of the mob even more than
she feared the indecision of the king. If
he were left unterrifed, she reasoned, all
his tendency would be toward mercy and
| the keeping of his solemn promise made to
! Strafford in her presence at Hampton.
| At the palace gates opening on Whitehall,
the captain of the guard refused to grant
| admission without an order; but struck by
her beauty and evident distress, he con-
| ,+oI 49, ~ .,I,o
| about the court who would vouch for her.
Frances pondered moment and hest
| tated, but her need was great, and she
named De Courcy, tho with deep reluct-
ance.
De Courcy appeared before many
moments, lured by the information that
a beautiful woman was waiting for him.
When he saw Frances. he did not trouble
| to make an explanation to the captain Of
the guard, but babe her enter at once.
81 shall take you by a private way,
where you will encounter no one," he said
| with a leer.
They threaded their way thru devious
passages until at last they reached a door,
which he pushed open, saying:
IF you will wait here for a moment, I
will go to the king"
! He bowed gracefully and ushered the
girl into a square room, the walls Of
which were decorated by groups Of
swords and rapiers OF various sorts; a
i veritable armory. A table occupied the
center, and there were several chairs,
with q lounge against the wall. A door
4 opened upon an inner room. De Courcy,
instead OF taking his departure, stepped
in quickly after the girl, closed the door
and turned the key in the lock- with the
grating Of the key came the first suspicion
to the mind Of Frances that her guide
was treacherous. Much as she had al
ways distrusted him, 1t seemed incredible
that, knowing her to be the daughter of
the Earl of STAFFORD, anything disastrous
might befall her here in the very palace
Of the king, the sworn protector Of his
people. The leer on De Courcy's face and
his words speedily disillusioned- her.
IF you will be seated by DEAR we may
have some converse, interesting and en-
tertaining to us both. You can scarcely
imagine my joy at seeing SO lovely a
visitor In my poor apartments"
"Sir, you said you would bring the
king. A gentleman keeps his word
%. the king In good time my pretty
one. Charles is but a doleful companion
, just now, and we are well quit of him
AS for mans word, the fashion seems
to be the breaking Of 1t, example set us
poor gentlemen in the highest places. Fol
instance, our last discussion related tt
marriage, but times have changed since
that day, and You will not be so cruel a.
, to expect me to carry out the gooi
domestic intentions I then expressed. -
Sir, I am very glad I shall hear MT
more Of them
Truly? Then SO much the better.
, expected tears and reproaches, but an
pleased you are not given to complain
!. ing. BY my honor, / love you the NOR,
) for 1t. So, then, I'll steal kiss from
those ripe lips to seal the new compac
: we are to make, and warn you that
: scream is not likely to be heard from
this chamber
!, neither hear me scream nor see m
> weep