The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-02-22


main comparatively unknown and so dis
appear without leaving any trace behind
than to be blown to atoms when the ex-
plosiOn came?
He acknowledged his introduction TO
Madame Ia Comtesse by a courtly bow, in
which there was neither the hauteur OF
de Choiseul nor the servility Of many
OF the fawning sycophants who frequent
ed the court. At the same time the due
| was regarding Jeanette with none the
less curiosity because il was adroitly
concealed. He had heard much OF the
new favorite, and his admiri1g glance
was a confirmation Of the many reports
Of her beauty that had reached him even
in Brittany. Nor was Jeanette insensi-
bic 20 the impression she made upon
him. She was too mech OF woman not
to be pleased and fattered.
/ Brittany must be a very attractive
/ country to keep you away from Paris
so long, Monsieur Ie Due" she said
after her guests were seated.
Il was not aware, madame. of what
/ l was missing. and ALAS ] am hardly
/ vain enough to fatter myself that my
| absence was noted" replied the court
/ " nobIeman.
/ so you have just arrived?"
Yes spoke up de Richelieu. viii
/ pleased at the reception being accorded
/ his nephew. the due only arrived at
nay hotel today"
"Ah, So that accounts for your not
being at Fontainebleau?"
Exactly"
You came direct to LOUveciennes?"
"On a double mission-to present my
respects to you and 20 afford my
nephew an opportunity to render a re-
port OF his stewardship TO his majesty
Monsieur lie Due would not have
favored me with a visit. then. II his
majesty were not expected" returned
jeanette. in a tone which betrayed
some disappointment
Both you. madame. and my uncle
do me wrong" D'Aiguillon FASTENED to
explain. The marecheaI at first sug-
gested that we join the King at Font
ainebleau and proceed with him from
there. You would be surprised to learn
why his program was not carried out.
"Puzzler- Solve the mystery" she
laughed.
Perhaps you may help us since il
will require more than ordinary tai
ent"
''Merci."
ITO proceed, then. with your permis-
sion. We were just leaving the hotel
when messenger approached and in
CURED which was myself" continued
D'AIguillon.
The cOmtesse placed her chocolate cup
on a small table at her side and was
now resting her chin on her left hand.
which was encrusted with jewels. One
ring twinkling in the nebulae immedi-
ately caught the eye of D'AiEuiIIon and
brought sudden exclamation to his
lips.
Pardon me. madame" he begged:
"but one of the jewels you are wearing
ma fol, how extraordinary" he ended
breaking of in the middle OF the SEN
tence-
Why. which ring. monsieur" she ask
q, holding out her hand
The one with the trident set in ru-
bies." he answered.
1T is an odd thing she admitted.
hut do proceed with your story"
All Your pardon again. Where did
We end?"
You were saying that a messenger
approached and inquired which was
yourself" she prompted him.
Thank you. 1t so happened that my
uncle was slightly in advance. and on
being acosted. directed the messenger to |
me. Perhaps It was because the mes |
senger was uniformed as page of the |
Austrian court that the incident made /
such an impression on my mind"
At this reminder OF the man in the
Austrian uniform. who had put in an ap- !
pearance at every important turn in her
career. jeanette was aware OF a peculiar
tremor passing over her. D'AIguillon /
continued:
When I assured him that was the I
person answering to such an obscure /
Monsieur is Observation-Disclosures 4
Monsieur Ie Due is too modest for 4 |
soldier" she interrupted. with a shade /
OF reproof in her voice.
Obscure" he explained because Of 4
M long absence from Paris. But whom l
the young man was satisfied as 20 nv
identity, he handed me n small package. /
saying that it was a debt OF gratitude
which HIS master desired TO discharge fu /
return for some assistance which I had i
been the means of rendering him az the
battle of Saint Cast
To your other hOnors then must be
added the dual title OF hero and benz
factor she replied.
spare me anv such tribute. madame.
L is hardly deserved"
MOP"
1T seems the gift was a return for
a trifling service once shown a voIun
teer in the army"
only a t~fHing servIce?"
We'll. believe his life was saved"
Admirable And how exciting,
battle. DO tell US about IT." she OK
claimed
Dame, You are In for II now"
laughed de Richelieu. observing the
Erimace OF the other. Better out with
the story at once. Madame la Comtesse
is used TO being obeyed"
LAS you may know. then" resumed
D'Aiguillon, AN English force aided "
a considerable fleet had been harassing