Morris tribune., 1904-09-03

masquerader, what have you to sa.
for yourself?
your majesty, humbly crave your
pardon. The words l used yesterda.
were not mine, but those of gypsy il
the north, who told me I was thu
daughter of the Earl of STAFFORD at {
time when such tale seemed SO alb
surd that laughed at her for connect
ing my name of Wentworth with one
so exalted as the Earl of STAFFORD
Later, when | received proof that sucl
indeed was the case, her words re
turned to me. had no right to use
them in your august presence, but the
encourage Of the Lord STAFFORD pre-
vented my meeting him. Thus baffied
Il 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 a private
word with him."
Il knew you had tongue, Well, il
matters little what you said. Your
mission seems to have been success
full Do not think I placed any weight
upon your words, be they gypsy spoken
pr the outcome of spirit of mischief
My Lord STAFFORD, you will to London
them"
1! INSTANTLY, your majesty.
] 81 will consult with you there to-
morrow. AMI have no fear, for on my
oath as a man, ON my honor as king,
l will protect you"
The king rose and left the room as
abruptly as he had entered it.
For some moments STAFFORD lay back
in his chair, seemingly in state Of
collapse. The girl looked ON him in
alarm.
''Sir, is there anything l can do for
yOu?" she asked at length.
! Call a servant. Tell him to order a
coach prepared at once and see that it
is well horsed, for l would have the
journey as short as possible"
my lord, you are in no condition of
health to travel to London. l 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"
lions without further comment, then
came and sat in her place again. The
earl reused himself, endeavoring to
shake off his languor.
what think you of the king?" he
asked.
"He is a 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 q selfish mon
arch, other than all monarchs are
selfish, but discussion on such a theme
is fruitless. and l must be nearing my
dotage to begin it. am far from we'll,
Frances, and SO, like the infrm, must
take to babbling."
'Do you fear parliament, my lord?
How can it harm you when you have
the favor Of the kingY
II fear nothing, my girl, except fool
ish, unseen interference, interference
that may not be struck at or even
limited against. Did they teach you
the history Of France in your school?"
No, my lord" ..s.s4.. 49,,
''Then study it as you grow older.
I'll warrant you'll find it interesting
enough. Ruined by women. Ruined
BY W2msR: seyeR eiyil vars in seven
teen years, and all because of viperish,
brainless women. Well. we have one
of the breed here in England, and God
help usr' -..~.- ..4<ssysat+s:: - 80
"You mean the queen, my lord?"
flush! Curses on it, will you be as
outspoken as another Of your sex is
spiteful and subtle? Mend your man.
ners, huzzy, and guard your tongue.
Could you not see you spoke too freely
to the king moment sinceT ~
"Sir, am sorry" 7'*'sse7
"Be not sorry, but cautious"
STAFFORD fell into reverie, and there
was silence in the room until the serv
ant entered and announced that the
coach was ready, whereupon his mas
ter rose unsteadily.
"Sir," said the girl, twill you not eat |
or drink before you depart?"
"No." Then, looking sharply at his
he inquired, "Are you hun
gryY
eyes, my lord.'
Bring hither some refreshments,
whatever is most ready at hand, and
measure of hot spiced wine. had
forgotten your youth, Frances, think
ing all the world was old with me-
When the rejection came she ate but /
sparingly despite her proclamation, but
coaxed him to partake and to drink a
cup Of wine. He ordered woman's
cloak brought for her, which when she
had thrown it over her shoulders he
himself fastened at her throat
There he said when the cloak en-
veloped her, ''that will protect you
somewhat, for the night grows cold"
STAFFORD himself was wrapped in
warm furs, and thus together they
went down the stairs to the court, now !
dimly lighted. A cavalier who seemed