Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1904-10-26


lady in case an announcement so
fraught with dread to all of them
should prove too much for her, but
Frances was the most collected of any
there. "If that is all." she said calmly,
"'twil be but temporary inconren-
fence to my father which he will make
little of. He has committed no crime,
and may face with fortitude the judg-
ment Of his peers, certain Of trium-
plant acquittal. Heis in London by COM
mand Of the king. his master, and his
majesty will see to 1t, should all else
fail, that he suffers not for his obedi-
ence."
This conclusion was so reasonable
that 1t had the effect OF soothing the
apprehensions OF all who heard it, and,
young us she was, Frances seemed to
assume place Of authority in the cs-
timation of those present, which was to
stand her in good stead later in the
evening.
1t was after 8 o'clock that there was
a rap at the door.
"Who is there?" asked the secretary
lurOuSn tne grazing.
"a messenger from the court" was
the reply. Frances had come up the
hall on hearing the challenge.
what name?" demanded the score
tary.
"De Courcy. Open quickly. beg Of
you. The mob has surged down the
street, but it may return at any mo
ment."
"Open." said Frances, with decision,
and the secretary obeyed.
De Courcy came in, unacceptable ut
first because of the cloak that envelop-
ed him. The door was secured behind
him, and he flung his cloak to one Of
the men standing there. His gay plum
age was somewhat ruffled. and the girl
never thought she would be SO heartily
glad to see him.
"Is 1t true that my father is sent to
the TowerT" were her first words.
mo. mademoiselle; but he is in
ment, and at this moment detained in
the house Of James Maxwell, keeper Of
the Black Rod, who took his sword
from him and is responsible for his
safety. TITS said lie Will be taken to
the Tower tomorrow, but they reckon
not on the good will of some of lis who
are his friends, and they forget the
power Of the king"
Frances frowned, but said:
"What were the circumstances of my
fathers arrest? What do they charge
against him?"
"God knows what the Indictment is;
chiefly that he is STAFFORD, l think.
He entered the house of lords this Mt
ernoon and walked with customary
dignity to his place. but was CURLY
ordered to withdraw until he was sent
for. as the commons were Mt that mo-
ment enunciating their formula against
him. He withdrew in the face of this
loud protest, and ut last, being called.
stood before them; was commanded TO
kneel, which, with some hesitation, he
did, while the articles to his disparage
ment were read from the woolsnck.
He was then dismissed. md, once in
the outer room again. tho Black Rod
demanded his sword and so conducted
him, under restraint, to carrlage; no
man Of all then present Gaping to him.
although they had been obsequious
enough when he entered. A scurvy
lotW
Were you among thcm?"
"Not I; I give You Tie account MS
twas told to me, but L.. Lcen IN that
contemplate company. my hat would
have gone lower than ever before"
"You have not seen mS father then 4
He has sent no message by your
Il have not seen him, but come to
crave a few words with you in pri.
vate."
"Sir. you must excuse me. am SC
tense with anxiety about my father,
Gun think Of naught else"
"Tts on that subject wish to dis
course. He has set in train series
Of events in which hoped to aid him
but 1t Is like to so awry through this
most unlocked for arrest. That is why
WIS here this morning, and the com
mission was to have been completed to
morrow. Did he say anything to yor
about it?"
You heard oil he said to me today.
saw him for but u moment. and that ir
your presence"
Il had hoped his lordship made o
confidant Of you. 80 my mission were
the easier of accomplishment"
III 1t has to do with his welfare, ]
am ready to confer with you. Come
with me to the library
But before they could quit the hall
they were aware that another was
taking advantage Of the lull in the
street to seek entrance to the man
sion. Frances paused to learn the re
suit This time 1t was an envoy from
STAFFORD himself and lie brought a
letter addressed to "Mistress Frances
Wentworth" She opened and read the
note with eager anticipation, forget.
ting for the moment oil who were
standing there.
sweetheart-You have heard before this
what hath befallen me. yet trust thou in
the goodness Of God that my enemies
shall do mo no &urt. am troubled that
| you should be in London Mt this time
where l can be OF no help to you. II
would please me 70 know that you were
safe In the home where you have lived
until this present time. Think not that
you can assist mo other than by obeying
for trust in God nnd the king and in
the assurance that am innocent of the
charges malice hath brought against me
Therefore be in NO way alarmed. but be-
take yourself straishtway to the north,
there to wait with your brother. as here
tofore. until send q message for you.
which hope to do right speedily. Travel
In comfort end security. md take with
you such OF my household as will secure
both.
Ny treasurer. John vollins will give
you all money you require and this letter
10 his assurance to fulfill your wishes In
this and every respect Trust In God;
give way to no fear. but bear yourself
a. my daughter. Your loving father
STRAFFORD.
The young woman folded the letter
without word. except to the secre-
tary, to whom she said:
my father writes in good confidence,
seeing no cause for alarm, having as
l ay,yaVN<o ~ h{a tnnr<,oy,,o md Po%<h L.,