The Weiser semi-weekly signal. (Weiser, Washington Co., Idaho) 1904-1911, 1904-10-22

VI.
l sought to intercept him in the forest
and was willing to use any strategy
that might turn his attention toward
me In the hope of getting private
word with him."
Il knew you had tongue. Well II
matters little what you said. Your
mission seems to have been success
ful. Do not think placed any weight
upon your words, be they gypsy spoken
or the outcome Of spirit Of mischief
My Lord STAFFORD, you will to London
thenT
Instantly, your majesty
Il will consult with you there TO
morrow. And have no fear, for on my
oath as man, on my honor as king.
l will protect you"
Inc king rose and left the room as
abruptly as he had entered it.
For some moments Straffor, Law bac,.
In his chair, seemingly in state of
collapse, The girl looked on him in
alarm.
"Sir, is there snything 1 can do for
your she asked at length.
Call a servant. Tell him to order a
coach prepared at once and see that II
b we'll horsed, for 1 would have the
Journey as short as possible"
MY lord, you are in no condition OF
health to travel to London. 1 will GO
to the king and tell him So"
do that requested you and trouble
me not with counsel. There is enough
of woman's meddling in this business
already"
Frances obeyed her fathers instruc
lions without further comment, then
cane and sat in her place again. The
earl reused himself, endeavoring ia
shake OF his languor.
what think you Of the kingY' be
asked.
"He is man corroded with selfish
ness"
Tut TUT Such things are not to be
spoken in the precincts of court. No
nor thought. He is not a selfish mon.
arch, other than all monarchs are
selfish, but discussion on such theme
is fruitless, and must be nearing my
dotage to begin it. am far from well
Frances, and so, like the infirm, must
take to babbling."
do you fear parliament, my lord.
How can 1t harm you when you have
the favor of the king?'
Il fear nothing, my girl, except fool
ish, unseen interference, interference
that may not be struck at or ever
limited against. Did they teach you
the history of France in your schoolT
mo, my lord"
"Then study it as you grow older
I'll warrant you'll find it interesting
enough. Ruined by women. Ruined
by women Seven civil wars in seven
teen years, and all because of viperish
brainless women. Well, we have one
| of the breed here in England, and Goo
help us!'
"You mean the queen, my lord?'
"Hushl Curses on it, will you be al
] outspoken as another of your sex Il
spiteful and subtle? Mend your man
ners, huzzy, and guard your tongue
Could you not see you spoke too freely
to the king a moment SINGER
"Sir, l am sorry"
'Be not sorry, but cautious"
STAFFORD fell into a reverie, and Their
was silence in the room until the serv
ant entered and announced that tn
coach was ready, whereupon his mas
ter rose unsteadily.
"Sir," said the girl, twill you not ca
or drink before you departT
mo" Then, looking sharply at n
daughter, he inquired, "Are you hun
gry?'
eyes, my lord
"Rring hither some refreshments
whatever is most ready at hand, ana
measure of hot spiced wine. | ha'
forgotten your youth, Frances, thlna
ing all the world was old with me.
when the rejection came she ate Du
snaringly despite her proclamation, d.
coaxed him to partake and to drink
| CuD OF wine. l1c OiuSiS' -
cloak brought for her. which when 81
had thrown it over her shoulders d
himself fastened at her throat.
"There," he said when the CLOAK en-
veloped her, that will protect 20
somewhat, for the night grows colo"
STAFFORD himself was wrapped y
,varm furs. and thus together lne
went down the stairs TO the court po'
dimIy lighted. A cavalier who see scene
II have been standing IN wait fer thet
stepped out from the shadow o. ~
arches, and Frances reeogp%ep y. y,
French spark whom she bad 80 'fH''s'
characterized earlier IN the dsy'
my lord,g protested pe roy,'
taunfily, syog have your eoprapss ~ y.
aisadyantaee, You have captured ~
woodland nymph and bear p''pV n
spiriung her awpy % London : =
nrotosi itls most unfair " 'N's' We
are ihus lpfi behind ...,,
HslrV SAID suenord WIN se', ~,
nansIng ID hls Wplk ~ ppp'a Nrl
fou know tlaf ihe laaf ~ epeF /. i :,
.efer N ihe lAdy flaneH Np''nN,''
49, '" '' |.|.... l.. III .IIIII T