Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1904-11-09

least to grant reprreve until Satur-
day, and this was so small favor for
king to ask that Vollins was sure it
would be granted and that many
things might happen in the intervening
days. The confidence of a man SO gen
orally despairing as vollins in the GER
tainty Of short reprieve and in the
ultimate safety of Lord Stanford did
much to bring the girl to like belief,
but she resolved nevertheless to see
the king next day If she could win her
way into Whitehall palace.
Wednesday saw no excitement on the
streets. People were going soberly
about, each OH his own affairs, and the
reprieve had provoked no outburst,
which in itself was a hopeful sign,
Frances had grown to fear the hue and
cry of the mob even more than she
feared the indecision Of the king. If
he were left unterrifed, all his tenden-
cy was toward mercy and the keeping
of his oath.
There was no crowd to distract the
attention of the guard Mt the palace
gates opening on Whitehall, and they
absolutely refused to grant her admis-
sion without an order. She turned to
the captain of the guard and asked
how such an order could be obtained,
and that official, apparently struck by
heryouth and beauty MS well as her evil
dent distress, said that If she knew any
one about the court who might be sent
for and who proved willing to vouch
for her he would allow her to pass.
But the rule at the gate was strict be-
cause of pnst disturbances, and he had
no option but refusal unless she went
In under the convoy of some one in
authority. Frances pondered few
moments and hesitated, but her need
was great, and she could not choose
when it came to finding security. At
last she said, with reluctance:
II am acquainted with NJ. De Cour.
cy. Is he withinY"
II do not know, but twill be speed
lily ascertained."
With that he invited her to seat in
the guardhouse and sent a messenger
for De Courcy, knowing there would
! be prompt response when the French
man learned that a beautiful lady
awaited him, and in this he was not
mistaken. De Courcy came us debo-
nair and as well groomed MS usual,
twirling his light mustache and dofIing
his hat with n grand mir when lie saw
who his petitioner was.
Il wish to see his majesty again."
said Frances, rising, "but they detain
me ut the gate, and l have no one to
vouch for me unless you will be so
kind, though I am sorry to trouble
you"
To pleasure me, mademoiselle, you
must mean. Ills IN ungallant country,
as have always said, when they keep
SO fair maid awaiting. Such boor-
ish act is not conceivable in France
Most honored am to be your sponsor
and it gratifies me to tell you that the
king is ut present disengaged. beg
you to accompany me.'
The friend of the queen did not even
trouble to make any explanation to the
captain of the guard, and he was too
powerful courtier to have anything
he did questioned by the underlings.
1t was palpable that the officer had
small liking for him, but wholesome
fear of his influence In high places.
AS the two crossed the yard together
the young man said with the greatest
affability:
"Would you prefer to see the king
alone or in company?"
ooh, alone, If it be possible"
"Quite possible. shall delight in ar
ranging II private interview and am
sure his majesty will not refuse my re-
quest If you do not wish to meet any
of the court I can take you to him by
private route where we are almost
certain to encounter none"
II shall be deeply indebted to you"
They threaded their way through
devious and labyrinthian passages,
turning now to the right, now to the
left, sometimes ascending n few steps
and sometimes q narrow stairway, un-
til ut last the guide came to door,
which he pushed open.
"If you will wait here for moment,
will go and fetch the king" He
bowed gracefully us she passed
through the doorway, entering a square
room, the walls Of which were deco.
rated by groups of swords and rapiers
Of various sorts; veritable armory.
A table occupied the center, and there
were several chairs, with lounge
against the wall. A door opened upon
IN inner room. De Courcy, instead of
taking his departure, stepped in quick.
ly after the girl. closed the door, and
turned the key in the lock. With the
grating of the key came the first sus.
picion to the mind of Frances that her
guide was treacherous. Much us she
had always distrusted him, 1t seemed
incredible that knowing her to be the
daughter of the Earl Of STAFFORD, any.
thing disastrous might befall her here
in the very palace Of the king, the
sworn protector of his people. The
leer on De Courcy's face and his words
speedily disillusioned her.
IF you will be seated, my dear, we
may have some converse interesting
and entertaining to US both. You car
scarcely imagine my joy at seeing &C
lovely a visitor in my poor apart
ments."
"sir, you said you would bring the
king. A gentleman keeps his word
"Oh, the king in good time, my pref
ty one. Charles is but doleful com.
panion just now, and we are well quit
Of him. AS for mans word, the
, fashion seems to be the breaking Of It
| example being set ia moor pontlamon