The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1905-04-22
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he said, to urge the girl to quit the
turbulent city, where she could accom-
plish nothing and where she might be
In danger were it once guessed that she
bore any relationship to the condemned
man, but to this good counsel the girl
would not listen.
What she demanded impatiently was
news, news, news, and this, with
exasperating deliberation, Vollins gave
forth. 1t was quite true that the bill
was signed, not by the kings hand, but
by the hands of four commissioners
whom he had appointed for that pur-
pose. The house Of lords and even the
house of commons was amazed at this
betrayal, said Vollins, and the effect
Of the announcement had been seen on
the populace itself, for after certainty
came home to the people they had dis
persed quietly to their houses. and the
streets were almost empty.
The girl was mute with dismay, but
Vollins pointed out that the case was
in reality no worse than it had been
on Saturday or Sunday. By the exer-
else of his prerogative the king could
at any moment free his minister or
mitigate the sentence, Notwithstanding
the fact that the commission had signed
the bill of attainder in his name.
Tuesday seemed to bear out these
surmises. Frances determined to see
the king once more and learn from his
own lips the fate Of her father, but
when she reached Whitehall she found
some commotion there, for Charles was
taking his departure from the palace,
and people said he was on his way to
the house of lords and that it was like
~ he had determined to let STAFFORD
60
In the evening she learned authori-
tatively the object of the kings visit
to the house of lords. He had pleaded
earnestly for the life Of his minister
promising if he were released never
again to employ him even in the mean
est capacity. He implored them at
least to grant reprieve until Satur-
day, and this was so small a 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 a short reprieve and in the
ultimate safety Of Lord STAFFORD 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 on 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 unterrified, all his tenden-
cy was toward mercy and the keeping
of his oath.
There was no crowd to distract the
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
her youth and beauty as well as her evil
dent distress, said that if she knew any
one about the court who might be sent
Tor 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 past 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:
Il am acquainted with NJ. De Cour-
cy. Is he within?''
Il do not know, but twill be speed
lily ascertained.'
With that he invited her to a 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 as debo-
nair and as well groomed as usual,
twirling his light mustache and doffing
his hat with a grand air when he saw
who his petitioner was.
Il wish to see his majesty again.
said Frances, rising, "but they detain
me at the gate, and l have no one to
vouch for me unless you will be so
kind, though l am sorry to trouble
you" &s.s4~,.~.
10 pleasure me, mademoiselle, you
must mean. IT'S an ungallant country
as l have always said, when they keep
SO fair maid awaiting. Such a boor-
ish act is not conceivable in France
Most honored am l to be your sponsor
and it gratifies me to tell you that the
king is at present disengaged. / beg
you to accompany me-"
Tie friend Of the queen did not even
trouble to make any explanation to the
captain of the guard, and he was toe
powerful a courtier to have anything
he did questioned by the underlings
1t was palpable that the officer had
lra0r l. 4.