Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1904-12-27

the august gardener his beautiful
roses-great red roses, white roses
| blossoms yet unopened!
Following his gaze. significant light
appeared In the young woman's eyes
while her arm fell to her side.
"NOw to see Presumption sue for
pardon" she whispered to herself.
One by one the company. too, turned
in the direction Triboulet was looking
In portraiture the classical buifoon
grinned and gibed at them from the
tapestry, and even from his high sta
tion above the clouds Jupiter, who had
elected the offending fool Of the gods
looked less stern and implacable. An
expectant hush fell upon the assem-
blage when suddenly Jove and Momus
alike were unceremOniOusly thrust
aside. and rs the folds fell slowly back
before the many hued curtain stood Il
man of stately and majestic mien-
a man whose appearance caused deep
| seated CONSERVATION, whose forbid
ding aspect made the very silence
portentous and terrifying. With dress
slashed and laced, rich In jewelry and
precious stones, he remained motion
less. regarding the motley gathering
while an ominOus half smile played
about his features. He said nothing,
but his reserve was more sinister than
language. Capricious, cruel, was his
face: In bis eyes shone covert enjoy
ment of the situation.
Would he never speak? With one
hand he Droked his beard; with the
other he toyed with the lace on his
doublet.
"You We're talking. children" he said
finally. before came in"
III your majesty" ventured Tribou'
let. has heard all, your majesty will
not blame-us!' And he glanced malev.
olently toward the dukes jester. who,
upon the kings abrupt entrance. had
descended from the platform.
Observing the emblaZoned arms OF
Charles V. upon the dress Of the cul-
prit, faint look Of surprise swept
Francis face. Did 1t recall that fatal
day when on the field of battle Il rival
banner had waved ever illusively. ever
beyond his reach? Noy 1t shone before
him as though mocking his friendship
for his one time powerful enemy, the
only man he feared, the emperor who
had overthrown him. The sinister
smile of the king gave way to gloomy
thoughtfulness.
"Who is this knave?' he asked ut
length. fixedly regarding the erstwhile
badge Of his defeat.
ia poor fool, sire"' replied the kneel'
ing Ean.
"Those arms embroidered on your
dress, what do they mean" said the
king shortly.
THE arms of my masters master.
your majesty was the Overconiident
answer
"Who Is your master!
"The Duke Of Friedwald, sire. the
betrothed OF the Princess Louise"
And your purpose hereF
"AIy master sent me to the princess.
I'll miss thee, rogue said lie. 'Tis
proof of love to send thee. my merry
companion Of the wine cup! But go
Nature hath formed thee to conjure
sadness from lady's face So SET
out upon my perilous journey. and, IA
yored by fortune, am but safely arriv-
ed. l was cen now about to repair to
the princess, whom l trust, in my
humble way, to amuse.'
"And thou Shalt" said the king sig
niicantly.
"Oh, your majesty" with assumed
modesty.
THAT is," added Francis. IF 1t will
amuse her to see you hanged.
"And IL it did not amuse her. sire!
spoke up the newcomer, without a
tremor in his voice.
"What them" asked the king.
ut would be breach Of hospitality
to hang me, the servant OF the duke
who Is servant Of Charles "" he re-
piled boldly.
Francis started. Like menace
shone the arms of the great emperor
yividly he recalled his own humilla
ton. his long captivity, and mistrust
ed the power Of his subtle. am!abl'
friend-cnemy. Friendship? Swecte.
was hatred. But the promptings o.
wisdom had suggested the policy OF
peace; the reins of expediency drove
him, autocrat or slave. to the doctrine
of loving brotherhood. He turned hi
gloomy eyes upon the glowing counte
nance Of Triboulet.
what say you, fool:'
"Your majesty" answered the ea%e'
dwarf, could hang him without breacl
Of hospitality"
"Iiow do you make that good, Tr
boulet!" asked the monarch.
"The duke has given him to TIL
princess. The princess Is Il suDs"r