The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1904-11-16

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"You do not know my brother, Lady
Catharine."
Thus spoke Will Law, who had been
admitted but half hour since at the
great door of the private hotel where
dwelt the Lady Catharine Knollys.
"Twould seem, then, tbs by no
fault of his" replied Lady Cath arine,
hotly.
And is that not we'll? There are
many in Paris who would fain change
places with you, Lady Catharine."
Would heaven they might" ex-
claimed she. would that my various
friends, or the project of police, or
heaven knows who that may have
spread the news of my acquaintance
with your brother, would take me out
of that acquaintance"
high honor" said Will.
"Oh, an honor! Excellent we'll comes
this distinguished honor. Sirrah, car
riages block my street, filled with those
who beseech my introduction to John
Law. l am waylaid if step abroad,
by women-persons of quality, ladies
of the realm, God knoweth what-and
they beg of me the favor of an intro
duction to John Law! There seems
spread, know not how. silly ru-
NOR of the child Kate. And though l
did scarce more than name convent
for her attendance, there are now out
all manner of reports of Monsieur
John Laws child, and-what do l say
its monstrous! l protest that
have come closer than care into the
public thoughts with this prodigy, this
John Law, whose favor is sought by
every one. Honor!-'tis not less than
outraged
'Tis but argument that my brother
is a person not without note"
But granted. we have seen his car
rage at your curb they say. l insist
that it is a mistake. But we saw him
come from your door at such and such
an hour If he came, twas but for
meeting such answer as have always
given him. Will they never believe
will your brother himself never believe
that, though did he have, as he him
self says, all France in the hollow of
his hand, he could be nothing to me?
Now | will make an end to this. l
will leave Paris"
Madam, you might not be allowed
to co.
What! | not allowed to go! And
what would hinder Knollys of Ban
bury from going when the hour shall
arrive?"'
"The regent"
"And why the regent?"
Because of my brother"
your brother!"
"Assuredly My brother is to-day
king of Paris. If he liked he could
keep you prisoner in Paris. My brother
does as he chooses. He could abolish
parliament tomorrow if he chose.
My brother can do all things-except
to win from you, Lady Catharine, one
word of kindness. of respect. Now,
then, he has come to the end. He told
me to ccme to you and bear his word.
He told me to say to you that this is
the last time he will importune, the
last time that he will implore. Oh,
Lady Catharine! Once before l car
ried to you message from John Law
from John Law, not in distress then
more than he is now, even in this hour
of his success"
Lady Catharine paled as she sank
back into her seat. Her white hand
caught at the lace at her throat. Her
eyes grew dark in their emotion.
.'Yes. madam" went on Will Law,
tears shining in his own eyes, "'twas
1, an unfaithful messenger, who, by
an error wrought ruin for my brother
and for yourself, even as | did for my
self. Madam, hear mel | would be a
better messenger to day"
The old wrinkle Of perpleXity gath
cred between the brows of the woman
before him. Her face was clouded,
the chan@siul eyes now deep covered
by their lids.
Lac. Ing the precise word for that
crucial moment, VIII Law broke fur
Their on into material details. ITO
be explicit. as | have said,' resumed
he. everything seems to center about