Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1904-12-02

your permission, Monsieur lie Marquis
and gentlemen all, I will withdraw.
Resume your seats, messieurs.
thank you again for your congratula-
tions." .....
The marquis handed her to the door.
Grafton noticed that she tottered as
she withdrew. The scene had been
too much for her. He had shot one
swift glance toward the foot OF the
table, too, and he had noticed that one
glass had not been lifted when the
toast had been drunk, and that 1t still
stood brimming with wine upon the
board in front of the haggard de Vitre.
The American pitied him, his misery
was SO great and so apparent. Mean
while congratulations from all sides
were bestowed upon de Kersaint.
The men crowded around him, shak-
ing him by the hand, drinking healths
to him from fresh glasses which had
been brought, and overwhelming him
with acclamations which he bore with
good-humored modesty.
Grafton would have left the armory
at once to follow Anne had he not
faithfully promised Josette to stay
there until she summoned him. He
waited, therefore, In increasing impa-
thence. He was glad, however, even
in the midst of his passion. that he
had remained, when he heard Admiral
de Conflans tapping the table and re-
qdesting silence.
Gentlemen" he said, as the tu-
multi died away and the men subsidized
into their seats once more, with the
permission of my friend, the Marquis
de Chabot-Rohan, will propose q
toast to you, and at the same time
make an announcement. The English
have been driven from the blockade
by the fierce gales and intend to 60
to sea. Amid such loyal friends and
supporters I do not hesitate to say
that we are bound for the enemys
country. I first propose to take the
English squadron in Quiberon bay, to
embark there the officers and men Of
the brave army commanded by Mon
sieur le Due d'Aiguillon and Marechal
Belloc. and then away for Ireland,
crushing any one who may endeavor
to stay our progress; and II that be
Admiral Hawke. let him look to his
ships!"
The hall was filled with shouts Of
approval and joyful acclamations.
"A moment, gentlemen" continued
the old admiral, smiling his approba-
ton of the enthusiasm Of his subordi-
mates and making a fine figure. with
his powdered head. weather-beaten,
naughty old face, his rich uniform
heavy with gold lacing, and his breast
covered with orders-"a moment,
while I give you the toast. FIJI your
glasses all and drink deep with me:
Death to the enemies of the king. con-
fusion to the English, success to our
endeavor! Vive Ia France!"
A perfect roar Of applause and ac-
quiescence swept through the room.
Men sprang upon the chairs crying
and cheering, some tore down the ban
ners and flags from the walls, waving
them frantically, and shouting them.
selves hoarse in their excitement
They would shout another way, sing
another tune once the grim English
Hawke got his talons in them, thought
Grafton-still, twas pretty sight.
He alone seemed to read an old sem
tence on the wall.
when do you sail. Monsieur de
Conflans?" asked the archbishop,
when he could be heard above the tu-
multi. There was an instant silence as
they all waited in tense excitement TO
receive the reply.
"Monseigneur," answered the old
admiral, inclining his head toward
the prelate, 81 beg you to invoke .
blessing upon our undertaking. 81
lence. geutlemen!"
The officers stood with bowed heads
while the venerable archbishop, ris-
ing and lifting a white hand in the
air, breathed forth an eloquent prayer
for the success of their arms. The
amens with which the guests ratified
his passionate petition were not less
deep and fervent than had been their
cries a moment since.
"Most Reverend Father" returned
the admiral, as the prayer was con-
cluded, "as to the time of sailing? AS
soon as the wind changes, monsei-
gneur, and lets US get away from the
harbor."
There was a sudden clashing OF
arms on the stair. A young soldier,
an officer of cavalry, strode into the
room through the open door. He
stopped before the admiral, clicked
his heels together with military pre-
cision. and saluted.
Monsieur lie Marechal," he said, Il
have a message to you from the port
admiral"
What is 1t, sir?"
"He bade me tell you that the wind
had changed within the hour and 'tis
now blowing fair for you to leave the
harbor."
"Gentlemen," cried the admiral,
1--WE sail at six In the morning. We
have much to do. Monsieur lie Mar
quis, you will pardon us II We with
draw thus early? Come. come. mes
sieurs, the toasting and feasting are
over, the time of war begins"
Grafton felt touch on his arm.
The anxious face Of Josette loomed
up out Of the darkness near his shoul-
der.
Come with me-" she whispered,
softly.
AS he turned to 60, he heard the
admiral say to de Kersaint:
Monsieur, you may remain here an
hour or two longer. Your ship, l
know, is in readiness to weigh anchor,
and so long as you are aboard at the
appointed time I shall be satisfied. l
am loath to part you from so charm
ing a fancee in so unceremonious a
way. Yes" he continued, in answer
to a question, you may retain Capt.