The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1905-03-24

60 ed his look as though ENJOYING
his surprise.
You do not seem overpleased with
the prospect Of my company" she OBJ
served. "Or perhaps you fear 1 may
incumber you" with mock irony.
Confess, the service Is more onerous
than you expected|
Beneath her flushed yet smiling face
lay nervous earnestness he could di-
vine, but not fathom.
Different, certainly" he answered
brusquely.
Her eyes flashed. How compliment
tary you arev'
| "For your own sake"-
| My sake" she exclaimed passionate
~. Her little hand closed fiercely;
: proudly her eyes burned into his.
Think you have taken this step idly :?
That 1t is but the caprice Of a moment !?
on; no, no! 1t was necessary to fee
a woman turn? Not to any Of the
| court-tools Of the king. One person
only was there; he whose life was as
| good rs forfeited. Do you under
| stand"
'That my life belongs to you? Yes.
But that you should leave the court
where you have influence. friends
Influence! Friendsw
! He was startled by the bitterness Of
her voice.
: "Tell me. Jacqueline-why do you
wish to go" he said wonderingly.
Because I wish to-" she returned
briefly and stroked the shining neck of
her horse.
Indeed, how could she apprise him
Of events which were now the talk Of
the court-how Francis. evincing q
sudden interest as strong as 1t was un-
expected, had exchanged Triboulet for
herself, and the princess, at the kings
request, had taken the buffoon with
her and left the girl behind; the jes-
tress' welcome to the household Of the
queen Of Navarro, n subsequent bewil-
dering shower Of gifts, the complacent,
although respectful, attentions Of the
king: how she had endured these ad-
vances until no course remained save
the one she had taken! No, she could
not tell the dukes fool all this.
Between folle and fugitive fell a mu.
ton Of the truth? Are there moments
when the mind, tuned to a tension
may almost feel what another expert
ences2 Why had the girl not gone
with her mistress? He remembered
she had evaded this question when he
had asked II. Looking at her. for the
first time It crossed his mind she would
be held beautiful, IN odd, strange beau.
ty. imperious. yet girlish, and the con-
viction crept over him there might be
more than a shadow Of excuse for her
mad flight.
Beneath his scrutiny her face grew
cold, disdainful. Like all men," she
said sharply, as though to stay the
trend Of his thoughts, you are prod.
igal In promises, but chary in fulfil.
ment"
where is It your pleasure to go7r he
asked quietly.
THAT we shall speak Of hereafter p
she answered haughtily.
Forward, then"
II can ride on alone" she demurrsd
"ir'-
may; tits I who crave the quest. h.
returned gravely.
Her face broke into smiles. "what q
devoted cavalierr' she exclaimed
"Come, then. Let us ride out into the
world. At least it is bright and shin.
Ing today. Do you fear to follow me-
sir, or do you believe with the hunch.
back that ] am an enchentress and
cast over whom 1 will the spell of di.
ablerieT
"You may be an enchantress, mis-
tress, but the spell you cast is not di-
ablerie," he answered in the same tone.
"Fine words! she said mockjngly.
"But 1t remains to be seen into what q
world I am going to lead you," and
rode on.
Now the road % narrowed he fell be.