The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1905-03-03

ii - II "ehS % JSotCi tTISen one
6rraS Of those friendships which
O8<w spring more from similitude
than unlikeness, an amity of which
each had been unconscious in its in
ception, but which had gradually
grown into a sentiment of comradc.
ship. Caillette was of noble mien,
graceful manner and elegant address,
soldier by preference. jester against
his will, forced to the office by the no.
bleman who had cared for and educat-
ed him. In the dukes fool he had
found his other self. man who, like
himself. lent dignity to the gentle art
Of Jesting.
Moreover, Caillette experienced q su-
perlor sadness, sifted through years of
1nfestivity and gloom. beginning when
Diane was led to the altar by tho
grand seneschal of Normandy, that
threw an actual, albeit cynical, inter-
est about the love tragedy Of the dukes
FOOL which the other OWNED nnd, from
his own past heart throbs. understood.
The piaisant to the princess betrothed,
Caillette would have sworn, was of
gentle birth. His face manner and
bearing proclaimed it. He was also n
s>-SA& ehu " poSt. Ahio SOuEdsc, WHICH
Caillette OWNED, fitted him for the
higher office of arms. Certainly he be-
came an interesting companion, and
the French Jester sought his company
on every occasion. And this fellowship
or intimacy which he courted was des-
tined to send Caillette forth on a
strange and adventuresome mission.
The day following the return Of the
dukes fool to the castle, Francis, who
early in his reign had sought to model
his life after the chivalrous romances,
inaugurated splendid and pompous
tournament.
The king rode from the castle under
pavilion Of cloth of gold and purple
velvet, with the letters II and r boldly
outlined. followed by ladies and court
1erS, pages and attendants. Amid the
shouts and huzzas Of the people the
monarch and his retinue took their
places in the center of the stand, the
royal box hung with ornate brocades
and trimmings.
In an Enclosure Of white next to that
OF the king were seated the lady Of the
tournament. the Princess Louise. and
her maids Of honor. arrayed all in
snowy garb, and against the garish
brilliancy Of the general background. q
pompous pageantry OF colors. the deco
ration of this dainty nook shone in sill
very contrast. A garland Of flowers
was the only crown the lady wore.
Behind her, motionless as q statue,
with face that looked paler and lips
the redder and hair the blacker, stood
the maid Jacqueline If the casual
glance saw first the blond head, the
creamy arms and sunny blue eyes of
the princess. It was apt to llnger with
almost start of wonder upon the
striking figure of the jestress. n noe
turnal touch in pearly picture.
"On my word, there's decorative
creature for any lord to have In his
house." murmured the aged chancel-
lor Of the kingdom. sitting near the
monarch. "Who Is sheT'
"a beggar's brat Francis found here
7Ihen he took the CASTLE" replied the
ribboned spark addressed. "You
! ow the story?"
Yes" said the white haired diplo.
mat half sadly. This castle once be-
ionged to the great constable Of Du-
brois. When he fell from favor the
king besieged him. The constable fed
and died In Spain. That much, of
course. ! and the world know. But the
girp--
"Waen our victorious monarch took
possession Of this ancient pile" ex-