Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1905-02-14
fcoNTiNuRDl

Step by step the kings guest nau
left the palace behind him until the
surrounding shrubbery shut it from
view, but the path, sweeping onward
with graceful curve, brought him sud.
denly to beautiful chateau. Lost in
thought, he gazed within the Towering
ground Mt the ornate architecture. the
marble statues and the little lake In
whose pellucid depths were mlrrored
a thousand beauties Of that chosen
spot. an improved Eden Of the land
scape gardener wherein resided the
Countess d'Etampes.
why" thought the free baron
Frightening abruptly, that chance
which served me last night, which
forced ths trooper to speak today, now
has led my stupid feet to the sooth-
sayer."
Within much begilt and gorgeous
bower he soon found himself awaiting
patiently the coming Of the kings ia
vorite. Upon tiny chair or goid TOO
fragile for his bulk the caller mean
while inspected the ceilings and walls
of this dainty domicile, mechanically
striving to decipher painted aliegory
of Venus and Mars or Helen and Paris
or the countess and Francis, he could
not decide precisely its purport, when
she fioated into the room, dressed IN
some diaphanous stuff, natural ac'
compartment to the other decorations
her dishabille a positive note of mod
esty amid the vivid colorings and
graceful poses of those tributes to love
with which Primaticcio and other ltal'
ian artists had adorned this bower.
How charming of you.' vaguely
murmered the lady, sinking lightly up
on settee. what an early riser you
must be, duke!'
Although it was then but two hours
from noon, the visitor confessed him.
self open to criticism in this regard.
And YOU as well, madam" he added
must plead guilty Of the same fault
One can easily see you have been out
In the garden and" he blundered on,
"stolen the tints from the roses
Sharply the countess looked at him,
but read only an honest attempt at q
compliment.
Why" she said, "you are becoming
as great fiatterer as the rest Of them.
But, confess now, you did not call to
tell me that?"
mo, madam" he answered, taking
credit to himself for his diplomacy, "it
is not necessary that truth should be
premeditated. l had serious purpose
in seeking you. OF all the court you
alone can assist me. 1t Is to you only
can look for aid. Knowing you gener'
Gus, have ventured to come"
"You interest me-" she laughed. 1T
must be a pressing emergency when
you honor me-so early In the day"
ut is, madam" he replied, very
pressing to me. l want the wedding
day changed"
"Changedw she exclaimed, staring at
him. Deferred"
NO, udSteleu, uduau. II 10 'oo io"e
to wait. Go to the king; ask him to-
shorten the interval; to set the day
sooner. l beg of you, madam
..Oh, this is delicious" purred the
countess. 81 will be your messenger,
your advocate. and will plead your
cause and will win your case. But
what about the princess? What will
she say when
1T shall be my task to persuade her.
| am sure she will consent" returned
the suitOr.
perhaps you have spoken to her al
ready?" asked the countess.
mo, madam; without your assist
ance, of what use would be her willing
ness?"
What responsibility you place on
my weak shoulders cried the other.
However, l will not shift the burden.
l will 20 to his majesty ut once. And
do you go to the princess"
AT your command" he replied and
took his departure.