The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1905-02-17
Copynsh,. 1903. BY The Bowen-MeuiH Company

Noddy!
Remain but foolsl''
With the eyes OF the company upon
him the dukes fool impassively stud
led the carven figure on his stick. II
hc felt fear Of the kings anger. the re-
sentiment Of his master or the malice Of
the dwarf his countcnance now did not
betray It. He had seemed about to
speak. but did not.
"Well. rascal. weilT" called out the
king. do you think your wand will
save you. sirrah?" he added impatient
ly.
"Why not. sire?' TRANQUILITY answered
the jester.
The dukes face grew more and more
ominous. Still the fool. looking up. did
not quail, bit met Ills masters glance
freely. and those who observed noted
1t was tie duke who first turned away.
although his jaw was set Rnd his great
fist clinched. Swiftly the TESTERS gaze /"
again sought the princess, but she had
plucked n spray of blossom, from the
table md was holding It to. ;her lips.
mindlessly biting the fragrant Ieaves.
and those who followed the fools
glance saw In her but a picture Of
languid uncorccrn such as became a,
kinswoman Of tie king.
Almost imperccptibly the brow of the
plaisant clouGed. but recovering him
self, he confronted the king with. an
enymatic smile. -
why not:" lie repeated. aIn the
court Of love is not the FOOLS wand
greater than u kings mfter' on the
pastoral staff OF the Able deIks? Be-
sides, SIRE" he added quickly, "as a
fool takes it, in the court OF love, not
TO loVe-is treason"
Good murmured the bishop, still
eating. "Not to love Is treasonv'
"Who alone Is the culprit2 Whose
heart alone is filled with umbragc,
hatred, plQue?"
"Triboulet! Triboulet, the traitor!'
suddenly cried the countess, sprIghtly
as child.
"fes; Triboulet. the traitor" ex-
claimed the fool, pointing the wand of
folly Mt the hunchback.
Even Francis offended face relaxed.
Positively, shall never hang this
fellow" he said grimly to Marguerite.
Before this tribunal Of ladies whose
beauty and learning he has outraged
by his disaffectfon and spleen / sum-
mon him for trial." continued the
dukes jester.
"Triboulet, arise! Illustrious ladies
of the court Of love, the offender is In
your hands,
"A little monster." spoke up Diane,
with gesture Of aversion, real or af-
fectcd.
"He Is certainly somewhat reprehen.
sible," added the queen of Navarro.
whose tender heart even inclined to
the weaker side.
AN unconscionable rogue" MUIR
INJURED the bishop, complncently clasp.
Ing his fat fingers before him.
so he Is already tried by the church.
and the tribunal" went on the plaisant
OF the duke. The church hath excom-
municated him and the court of love-
"Win Danish him!' exclaimed the
countess mirthfully. regarding the cap
tious monarch with mock defiance.
Yes, Danish him, turn him out" ecl,-
oed Catbarine carelessly.
But, your majesty demonstrated
the alarmed Trlboulet, turning to the
monarch, whose favor he had that day
enjoyed
Appeal not to mev' returned Fran
els sternly. Here Venus rules!' And
he gallantly inclined to the countess.
Venus at whom he scoffs!' broke In
JacQueline shrilly, leaning back In her
chair, with her hands on her hfps.
you witch, you sorceress! 1t was
you who he hissed, with venomous
glance.
''Hear him." exclaimed the girl light
ly. "He calls me witch, sorceress, be.
cause, forsooth, I am woman
"a woman, a devilw muttered Tri.
bouiet between his closed teeth.
"And pow," she cried, rising impetu-
ously. "be says that women are devils.
What shall we do with bimT'
"Pelt him out!" answered the count
ess. PeIt him QUIT"
With peals OF merrlment and trium-
phant shouts the court Of one accord
directed fusiIlade Of fruits, nuts and
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