The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1905-03-10
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EEGSyN5I might to and fro within the
S.S11Y narrow confines Of his jail.
The events which had led to his incar-
ceration were SO recent he had hardly
yet brought himself to realize their full
significance. Neither Francis anger
nor the free barons covert satisfaction
during the scene following their abrupt
! appearance In the bower of roses had
greatly weighed upon him. but not SO
, the attitude Of the princess.
How vividly nll the details stood out
In his brain-the sudden transitions Of
her manner; her seeming interest in his
passionate words; her eyes. friendly,
tender. as he had once known them,
| then portentous silence, frozen dis
dain! Into the marble-likc pallor Of
her face faint flush had seemed to in
sinuate itself. but the words had drop
ped easily from her lips. Are all the
fools Of your country so presumptuous.
my lordf'
Above the other distinctive features
Of that tragic night to the plaisant
this question had reiterated itself per-
sistently in the solitude Of his cell.
| From her height could she not have
| spared him the scorn and contempt of
her question: Over and over through
the long hours he had asked himself
that. and as he brooded the idcaliza-
tlon with which he had adorned her
fell like IN enshrouding drapery to the
dust. or the vestment Of fancy moth
ing but tatters remained.
A voice without. harsh abrupt, broke
| In upon the TESTERS thoughts. A key
was inserted In the lock. and, with q
! creaking OF bolts and groaning Of
hinges. the warder swung back the iron
| barrier. Upon the threshold stood the
| commanding figure Of the free baron.
A moment he remained thus and then,
with an authoritative gesture to the
man, stepped inside. The turnkey
withdrew to n discreet distance, where
he remained within call. yet beyond
| the range of ordinary conversation. I'M
| moyably the kings guest gazed upon
| the y ter. who. unabashed, calmly en-
dured the scrutiny
"Well. fool" began the free baron
bluntly. "how like you your quarters7
You fought me well-in truth. very
well. But you labored under n disad-
vantage. for one thing Is certain-a
jester in love Is doubly fool"
"Is that what you have come to
| say?" asked the plaisant. his bright
| glance fastened on the others conf
| dent face.
| II came to return the visit you once
made me-" easily retorted the master
Of Hochfels. by this time you have
probably learned ! am an opponent to
| be feared"
"As one fears the assassin's knife or
| q treacherous onslaught" said the fool.
| "Did not say when you left that
night the truce was over2" returned
the kings guest. frowning.
| True" was the ironical answer.
"Forewarned forearmed And that sort
Of warfare was to be expected"
"Well." unreservedly replied the free
baron. who for reasons Of his own
chose not to challenge the affront, "in
those two instances you were not
worsted. And. as for the trooper who
| attacked you. know not whether your
| lance or the doctors lancet Is responsi.
bic for his taking off. But you met
him with true attaint. You would have
| made a good soldier. 1t Is to be regret
| ted you did not place your fortune with
mine. But 1t Is too late now"
"Yes." answered the PLEASANT ut IL
| too late"
/