The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-07-17
CHAPTER XVII.
A MAID OF FRANCE.


1.-THE Duke of Friedwaldr'
1t was not the princess who thus ex-
claimed, but Jacqueline Charles had spoken
loudly, and, drawn irresistibly to the scene.
she had caught his significant words at the
moment she recognized, in his brave &C
coutrements, him whom she had known as
the dukes fool
When she had heard, above the din of the
fray. the cries with which the newcomer
had been greeted. no suspicion of his identity
had crossed her mind. She had wondered,
been puzzled at the unexpected appearance
of Robert, Duke of Friedwald, but that he
and the ailing fool were one and the same
was wide from her field of speculation. In
amazement, she regarded the knight who
had turned the tide of conflict, and then
started. noticing the colors he wore a pal
try yellow ribbon on his arm, the badge of
her office. Much she had not understood now
appeared plain. His assurance in Fools
Hall; his reckless daring; his skill with the
sword. He was soldier, not jester; lord.
not lords servant.
Lost in no less wonder, the princess gazed
from the free baron to Charles, and back
again to the lifeless form. STOPPING, she
looked steadfastly into the face, as though
she studied those features, piece by piece
she patched together the scenes of the past.
Her own countenance began to harden, as
though some part of that mask of death had
fallen upon her, and when she glanced once
more at the Emperor they saw she no longer
doubted With forced Self-control, she turned
TO the Emperor.
Doubtless. it is some brave pastime," she
said to Charles. will your Majesty deign to
explain?
Nay" answered the Emperor. dryly;
that thankless task I'll leave to him who
played the fool.
Uncovering the Duke of Friedwald ap-
preached. The excitement of the contest
over, his pallid features marked the eff
| fects of his recent injuries, the physical
strain under which he had labored. Her
cold eyes swept over him haughtily, inQuir-
"For the part have played. madam he
| said, Il ask your forbearance. If We both
| labored under delusion, / have only re-
greet"
Regret Was it an outburst of grief or
| wounded pride? He flushed, but continued
| firmly:
Madame la Princesse, when first mar
riage was proposed between us was young
| er in experience If not in years than l am
now; more used to the bivouac or hunters
camps than courts And woman" he smiled
well, she was vague ideal AT times, she
came to me when sleeping before the hunts
| mans fire in the solitude of the forest;
again, was reflected from the pages of class
| ic lore She seemed part of the woods and
/ the streams, for by ancient art had she not
| been turned into trees and running brooks?
| So She whispered in the boughs and muir
| INJURED among the rushes. Mere Schwar-
merei. Do you care to hear? IT'S the only
| defense / can Offer"
Her contemptuOuS blue eyes remained fast
| ened on him; she dsdained to answer
| 1T was a dreamer from brake and copse
who went in the disguise of jester to be
| declare his identity. Well may you look
| scornful. Love!-it is not such a romantic
quality-at court. A monetary pastime,
| stronger than rank, than death, than all"
| Above the face of her whom he adj
dressed his glance rested upon Jacqueline.
| and he paused. The princess could but note,
| and derisive expression crept about her
| mouth.
"Once would have told you ALL" he re-
sumed. That night-when you were lady of
| the lists. But"
He broke off abruptly. wishing to spare
| her the bitter memory of her own acts. Did
| queen of the chaplet? When she had
crowned him whom now death and dishonor
| had overtaken?
| 1.-The rest madam, you know-save this -
| that had dropped from Louis of Hochfels S
| neck. Here, princess, is the miniature you
sent me. He, who used you so ILL., stole it
from me in prison; through it, he recognized
the fool for the duke; with an assassin S
| blow he struck me down..
| A moment he looked at that fair painted
| semblance. Did 1t recall the past too wildly?
| His face showed no PAIN only tranquility.
| His eye was rather that of connoisseur
than a lover. He smiled gently; then held it
| to her.
| Mechanically she let the portrait slip
| through her fingers, and it fell TO the moist
| ened grass near the form of him who had
| welded her. Then she drew back her dress
so that it might not touch the body at her
feet.
"Have 1 your Majesty's permission to
| withdraw" she said, coldly.
IF you will not accept our poor escort to
| the King" answered Charles.
MY ladies and myself will dispense with
| so much honor, SIRE" she returned.
| "Such service as We can command Is al
your disposal, madam" he repeated.
"It is not far distant to the chateau, SIRE "
"As you WILL" said the Emperor.
| With no further word she bowed deeply