Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1905-05-18

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"A fair land, this Of our brotherl
Small wonder he likes to play the host.
even to his enemies. We may conquer
him on the ensanguined field, but he
conquev us. or Henry Of England, on
fleld Of cloth Of gold!''
But for your majesty to put your
self In the kings power?" ventured q
courtier who wore a begcmmed tor
SADIE and cloak Of Genoa velvet.
The monarch leaned back in his
great chair, and his face grew harsh.
Az he sat there musing his virility and
iron figure gave him rather the appear
ance Of the soldier than the emperor.
This Impression his surroundings fur.
Their emphasized, for the walls of the
tent were covered, not with the gor-
geous colored gobelins Of the pleasure
loving French, but with severe and
stately tapestries from his native Elan.
ders, depicting in somber shades vari.
GUS scenes Of martial triumph. When he
raised his head he cast q look of ON.
nous displeasure upon the last speaker.
Had he not once the English king
beneath his roofr' answered the mon
arch. AT Amboise, where we visited
Francis some years ago. was there any
restraint put upon us!"
A grim smile crossed his features at
the recollection Of the gorgeous fetes
in his honor on that other occasion.
Perhaps. too, he thought Of the excite
ments held out by those servitors Of the
king, the frail and fair ladies Of the
court, for he added:
saints ct saintes! Twas a palace of
pleasure. not dungeon. he prepared
for Us. But enough Of this! 1t is time
we rode on. Let the cavalcade, with
the tents, follow behind"
think you, your majesty, IL the
princess be not yet married to the pre-.
tender, she Is like to espouse the true
duke?" asked the courtier as a sol.
der left the tent to carry out the Or
ders Of the emperor.
Charles arose abruptly. "Of a surety
He must have loved her greatly, else
The gathering of hoofs drawing near.
er interrupted the emperor's rumina.
tons, and, wheeling sharply, he gazed
without. A band of horsemen appear
ed on the mount.
1.-THE outriders!" he said in surprise.
"Why have they returned?"
"They are bearing some one on lit
ter" answered the attendant noble,
'and-cap de Dieuthere Is a woman
with Them"
As the troops approached, the en-
peror strobe forward. Out in the sun.
light bis face appeared older, more
careworn; but, although 1t cost him an
effort to walk. his step was unfaltering.
A moment he surveyed the men With
peremptory glance and then. casting
one look at their burden. uttered an ex.
clamation. His surprise however, was
Of short duration. At once his fea-
lures resumed their customary rigor
What does this meany he asked
shortly, addressing the leader Of the
soldiers. rs he badly hurt?'
THAT cannot say, your majesty
replied the man. "A horse fell upon
his leg, which is badly bruised, and
there may be other injuries
"Where did you ind him." continued
the emperor. still regarding the pale
face of the PLEASANT
mot far from mere. your majesty.
The woman was sitting in the road,
holding his head"
Charles glance swiftly sought the
jestress and then returned
"They were being pursued. for short.
~ after we came squad of men APP
peared from the opposite direction.
When they saw us they fed. The wO-
man insisted upon being brought here
when she learned of your majesty g
presence
Take the injured man into the next
tent and see he has every care. AS for
the woman, will speak with her
alone"
"Your majesty's orders to break
camp began the courtier.
I'VE have changed our mind and will
remain here for the present" And the
emperor without further words turned
and re-entered his pavilion.
A shadow foil across the tapestry
and he saw before him. kneeling on the
rug. the figure Of a woman. For her il
was an inauspicious interruption. With
almost frown Charles surveyed tho
young girl. The reflection OF dark col
0rs from the hangings and tapestries
softened the pallor Of her face. Hel
hair hung about her In disorder. Hel
figure. though meanly garbed. was re
plete with youth and grace. Silent she
continued in the posture Of suppliant
"Well?" said the monarch finally In q
harsh voice.
Slowly she lifted her head. Her darl
eyes rested on the ruler steadfastly
fearlessly. "Your majesty commanded
my presence" she answered.
"Who are youT" no asked coldly.
II AM called Jacqueline. My father
was the constable Of Dubro!s."
Incredulity replaced every other emo
ton on the emperor's features. and. mp
preaching her. he gazed attentively In
to the countenance she 80 frankly up
lifted. With calmncss she bore that
piercing scrutiny. His dark, troubled
soul, looking out Of his keen gray eyes
met an equally lofty spirit.
1.-THE constable Of Dubrois! You his
daughter" he repeated. THE consta
BILE was Q proud. naughty man; yen
overproud. IN fact. You know why HI
ned to mel'
Eyes. sire" she answered, nushini
resentfully.