The Washington times., 1903-02-22


for one. The hostess here has bandaged
my foot"
How fortunate that arrived at such
an opPortune moment"
Her glance did not bear out his words.
When 1 was young man he con-
tinued. my father apprenticed me to a
chirurgeon. foreseeing that 1 was to
follow arms as profession
Yes" replied madame. with PANIED
expression. as her foot gave another
twinge
And" pursued the indomitabIe game
ster. by great good fortune I have with
me here lotion which is sure cure
for the govt"
The gout2 Who said had the Eout7''
she demanded Indignantly.
Pardon me. Your foot appears much
swollen
She again made WY face on at
tempting TO move her foot.
1T is swollen-scalded,' - she replied.
Indeed" with sympathy.
"A kettle OF boiling water fell on IL as
was making my chocolate this morn
ing"
What a misfortunel"
Yes. " she sighed, "misfortunes never
come singly."
But this lotion of mine is excellent
for scalds madame"
Whereupon the adroit courtier ex-
tracted a small bottle OF eau de cologne
from his pocket. He then went down on
his knees-despite the vehement pro-
tests of the old woman-and proceeded
10 undo the bandages. Once or twice he
became really concerned as she groaned
in pain he began TO believe that some
thing was really the matter with her
foot
His majesty will be very much dIsap-
pointed. he said. as he unwound another
covering.
Yes. but surely this accident will be
sufficient apology for my absence
How strange that Il should have oc-
CURED just al the present time" com
mented the other. as he took of another
layer OF the bandage- "Mesdanes RoyaIas
will he much provoked.
Provoked The Prineesses?"
Indeed. Does that surprise YOU
They must even now be dressing. pre-
paratory to attending the presentation"
why. Monsieur lie Comte. I was in
formed that they would not be present"
"Ho, The old hypocrite." muttered Du
Barry behind his hand. Then addressing
her in his suavest manner. as he desisted
a moment from his task OF undoing the
bandages:
They will not only be present. but
they have acknowledged to the King
I that Madame la Comtesss has been
grossly maIigned in certain quarters.
They even begged his forgiveness for
their past opposition
Really. YOU are a comforter after the
heart Of Job said Madame de Bearn.
But Du Barry had bent his head and re-
sumed his labor OF unwinding the ban
dages in order to conceal a smile At
last the bandages were all removed and
a really frightful cicatrice presented it
self 10 the doubling Thomas. Madame de
Bearn enjoyed her triumph 10 the full
Her martyrdom had raised her far above
POrtta and Mutius ScevOla- Du Barry
leaned back and gazed at her in silent
admiration. Yet he applied tineture OF
the eau de cologne for the sake OF ap-
lpearances and replaced the bandaees- BY
the time this was done he had decided on
his further mode OF procedure. Rising
to his feet the willy Gascon said In tone
Of profound regret:
You are indeed the victim Of cruel
circumstances. madame
"Ah, Yes" she agreed.
-Of course you will be unable TO go
through the ceremony this morning.
1t viii hardly be possible. mon
sieur."
And your lawsuit
My bette noire doubtless viii continue
to haunt me"
Doubtless your son viii miss the
regimental commission which his maj
esty has agreed upon"
Poor Philippe"
You are still suffering. madame?"
Terribly"
rs there nothing more I can do2''
"Merci. monsieur; but. I fear. Moth
ing
Then you viii excuse me. for the
hour OF the presentation draws near and
mast be on my way TO Nine d'AIoghy.
who has rendered US her services in
case you were unable 10 be present"
And Du Barry picked Up his hat from
the table where he had deposited IL upon
entering