Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1905-01-10

| ana JacuueliHe, Cicdi es eu' Soiih' ssoou
before them. 1.-THE fan WINS not in the
kings bedchamber or I should have
been here sooner. trust you have
not been put out for want Of it,"
"Not at all, Jacqueline." returned
her mistress, with natural, tranquil
movement. "although"-sharply-"you
were gone longer than you should
have beenr'
CHAPTER vi.
ES1V1N anticipation of the arrival Of
the duke and his suit, the
S monarch had ordered series
EsIsSJ Of festivities and entertain
ments such as would crafty his desire
for pageantry and display and at the
same time do honor to guest who
was to espouse one of Frances fairest
wards.
Francis was unusually good humored
that day. Apprised by herald that
the duke and his followers were near
Ing the castle, he had sent the mes
senger back announcing trysting
place and now rode forth to meet him
and escort him with honor to the
castle.
Right pleasantly, with Quip and jest
and many smart sally, did the mon
arch and retinue draw near the meet
ing spot, where, at fork Of the road,
beneath the shade Of overhanging
branches, were already assembled a
goodly group of soldiers. Beyond them.
at a respectful distance, stood many
beasts of burden, heavily laden, the
great packs promising stores Of rare
and costly gifts. At the head Of the
troopers was a thickset man, with
broad shoulders and brawny frame.
mounted on a powerful gray horse.
This leader, whom the approaching
company surmised to be the duke, sat
mOtionless as q statue, gazing stead
fastly ut the shining armOr and gal
liant figure of the king, who spurred to
him, friendly greeting on his lips.
Then, lightly springing to earth and
throwing his bride to one Of his troop,
the foreign noble approached the royal
horseman on foot and, bending his
head, knelt before him, respectfully
kissing his hand.
Grim, silent. with hardened races
the dukes men regarded the scene,
their dusty attire albeit rich enough
beneath the marks Of traveD, sun
burned visages and stolid manner III
marked contrast with the bearing and
aspect of the kings gay following. One
of the alien troop pulled red mus
tachio tercely and eyed blithe popin-
lay of the court with Quizzical superb
ority. The others remained stock still,
but observant.
II see you are punctual and waiting,
noble SIR said the monarch gayly
when the initial formalities had been
| complied with. But that Is no more
than should be expected from-an I'M
patient bridegroom" Then, gazing Gu
riously, yet with penetrating look, OH
the features of his guest, who now had
arisen, "You appear slightly older than
IL expected from the letter Of our dear
friend and brother, the emperor"
And truly the dukes appearance was
that of man more nearly fve ana
thirty than FIVE and twenty. His face
was brown from exposure and upon
his brow the scar Of an old sword
wound, yet u fearless, dashing counte-
nance. an eye that could kindle to
hcadlong passion and thickset neck
and heavy jaw that bespoke the foe
man who would battle to the last
breath.
"Older, sire?" he replied, with COM
posure "fhat must needs be, since
living in the saddle ages man."
Truly" returned the monarch. in
stinctively laying his hand upon his
sword. "rhe clash Of arms. the thun-
der of hoofs, the waving banners-yes,
glory Is a seductive mistress who robs
US of our youth. Have not wooed her
and found-gray hairs? Who shall give
me back those days?"
History, your majesty. shall give
them to posterity." answered the duke.
even those we lost to Charles!'
muttered the king, shadow passing
over his countenance.
Celery, sire, is a mistress sometimes
Hckle in her favors."
And yet we live but for He
broke off abruptly and with the eye Of
a trained commander surveyed the
dukes men. "Daredevils. daredevils
ALI" he muttered.
"Rough looking fellows, SIRE" apollo
gized the duke, "but tried and faith
full soldiers. Somewhat dusty and
road worm" And his eyes turned
meaningly to the kings suit-the fash
lng girdles Of silver, the shining hits,
the gorgeous cloaks and even the
adornment of ribbons.
"Nay," said Francis meditatively,
ION a rough Journey would fain have
these fire eaters at my back. They
look as though they could cut and
hew."
Moderately well, your majesty" an
swered the duke, with modesty.
"Will you mount, noble sir, and ride
with me? Yonder Is the castle, and
In the castle Is certain fair lady
whom you no doubt fain would see."
Long gazed the Duke Of Friedwald
Mt the distant venerable pile Of stone.
the majestic turrets and towers softly
floating In dreamy mist; the setting.
fresh, woody, green. Long he looked
at this inviting picture and then
breathed deeply.
"Ah, sire, would the meeting were
oyer!' he remarked In low voice.
"Why SO, sirT asked the king In sur
prise. do you fear you will not fan
cy the lady"
81 fear she may not fancy me-" re-
torted the nobleman soberly. "Your
own remark, sire, that l appear older
than you had expected" he continued
gravely, significantly. :.
"A recommendation In your favor"
laughed the monarch. Il ever prefer
sober manhood to callow youth about
me. The one is prop. stanch. tried;
the other a reed that bends this way
and that or breaks when you press 1t
too hard"
! 81 should be lacking In gratitude
were l not deeply appreclative Of your
, majesty's kindness" replied the duke,
his face flushing with pleasure. But
your majesty knows womankind"-
"Nay. I've studied them little, but
, kpow them not" retorted Francis