Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1905-03-21
NUMBER II.

to me when sleeping before the hunts
mans fire I'm the solitudes Of the forest,
again was reflected from the pages Of
classic lore. She seemed a part of the
woods and the streams, for by ancient
art had she not been turned into trees
and running brooks? So she whispered
I'm the boughs and murmured among
the rushes. Mere Schwarmerei. Do
you care to hear? 'Tis the only defense
l can offer"
Her contemptuous blue eyes re-
mained fastened on him. She disdained
to answer.
1T was dreamer from brake and
copse who went in the disguise Of a
| jester to be near her. to win her for
himself-and then declare his indentity.
Well may you look scornful. LOve-it
is not such romantic quality-at
court. A momentary pastime, perhaps,
but-a deep passion-a passion stron-
ger than rank, than death, than all
Above the face Of her whom he ad-
dressed his glance rested upon Jacque-
line. and he paused. The princess
could but note. and derisive express
sion crept about her mouth.
| "Once | would have told you all" he
resumed THAT night-when you were
lady of the lists. But
| He broke off abruptly, wishing to
spare her the bitter memory Of her
own acts. Did she remember that day,
when she had been queen of the chap
let when she had crowned him whom
now death and dishOnor had over.
| taken?
| The rest. madam, you know-save
this" And. STOPPING. he picked up the
ornament that had dropped from Louis
Of Hochfels' neck. Here. princess, II
the miniature you sent me. He who
used you so III stole it from me
prison: through ii lie recognized the
fool for the duke; with an assassin's
blow he struck me down."
A moment lie looked at that fair
painted semblance. Did it recall the
past too vividly: His face showed
no pain, only tranquility. His eye was
rather that OF a connoisseur than a
lover He smiled gently, then held II
| to her.
Mechanically she let the portrait slip
| through her fingers, and II fell TO the
moistened grass near the form Of him
who had welded her. Then she drew
back her dress SO that ii might not
touch the body at her feet.
Have your majesty's permission to
withdraw" she said coldly.
IF you will not accept our poor es-
| cort to the king" answered Charles.
My ladies and myself will dispense
with mitch honor. sire" she re-
turned
"Such service as we can command
| is ut your disposal madam lie re.
peatcd.
1T is not far distant to the chateau,
sire"
AS you will" said the emperor
With 10 further word she bowed
deeply. turned and. slowly retracing
her steps. mounted her horse and rode
away. followed by her maids and the
troopers of France.
AS she disappeared, without one
backward glance. the duke gazed quick.
ly toward the spot where Jacqueline
had been standing He remembered
the young @irl had heard his story. He
had caught her eyes upon him while
he was telling it, Very deep. serious,
| judicial they seemed. Were they
weighing his past infatuation for the
princess. holding the scales to his
acts: Swilty he turned to her now.
but she had vanished. Save for rough
nurses. companions in arms. moving
here and there aEiong the wounded,
he and the emperor stood alone. In
the bushes II bir! which had left Il nest
| OF to!"clin"S returned and caro!ed
among tie hou%hs Il clarifying melody