Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1905-03-30


little teeth just cleaned between the
crimson of her lips.
IL presume you consider Charles the
more fitting monarch?" she continued.
Was It the disdain Of her voice? Did
she read his passing thoughts? Did
she challenge him to utter them?
an TRUTH" the Jester said cnrelessly,
"Charles builds fortresses, not pleasure
palaces, and gnrrisons them with SOL
diers, not ladies'"
She half smiled; her glance fell: her
hand moved caressingly, tho sleeve
waving beneath.
Poor Jocko! Poor Jockov' she mur.
INJURED.
Triboulet's glance beamed with de.
light. She was casting her spell over
his enemy.
"Oh." muttered Triboulet, IF the
king could but have heardw
Perhaps it was a breath of air, but
the tapestry depicting the misadven-
lures of Menus waved and moved.
Triboulet, who noted everything. saw
this and suffered an expression Of tri-
umph momenturily to rest upon his
malignant featuresx MkIad his prayer
been answered? tx spring without
flowers" forsooth! Dearly cherished
the august gardener his beautiful
roses-grcat red roses, white roses,
blossoms yet unopened!
Following his gaze. a significant light
appeared in the young woman's eyes,
while her arm fell to her side.
"Now to see Presumption sue for
pardon" she whispered to herself.
Ono by one the company. too, turned
in the direction Triboulet was looking.
In portraiture the classical buffoon
grinned and gibed at them from the
tapestry. and even from his high sta
ton above the clouds Jupiter. who had
elected the offending fool of the gods,
looked less stern aud implacable. An
expectant hush fell upon the assem-
blage when suddenly Jove and Momus
alike were unceremoniousIy thrust
aside, and as the folds fell slowly back.
before the many hued curtain stood Il
man of stately and majestic mlen-
man whose appearance caused deep
seated CONSERVATION. whose forbid
ding aspect made the very silence
portentous and terrifying With dress
slashed and laced. rich in jewelry and
precious stones, he remained notion
less. regarding the motley gathering,
while an ominous half smile played
about his features. He said nothing,
but his reserve was more sinister than
language. Capricious. cruel. was his
face; in his eyes shone covert enjoy
ment of the situation.
Would he never speak2 With one
hand he stroked his beard; with the
other he toyed with the lace on his
dOublet.
"YOu were talking. Children" he said
finally, before l came in"
IF your majesty" ventured Tribou-
let has heard all, your majesty will
not blame-us." And he glanced malev-
olently toward the dukes jester. who.
upon the kings abrupt entrance, had
descended from the platform.
Observing the emblazoned arms of
Charles V. upon the dress of the cul-
prit. faint look of surprise swept
Francis face. Did it recall that fatal
| day when OH the field Of battle 4 rival
banner had waved ever illusivcly. ever
beyond his reach? Now 1t shone before
him as though hooking his friendship
for his one time powerful enemy, the
only man he feared. the emperor who
had overthrown him. The sinister
smile of the king gave way to gloomy
thOughtfulncss.
"Who is this knave?" he asked at
length, fixedly regarding the erstwhile
badge of his defeat.
"a poor fool sire" replied the kneel-
ing man.
Those arms embroidered on your
dress, what do they mean:" said the
king shortly.
THE arms Of my masters master,
your majesty" was the overconfident
answer
"Who is your master:"
1.-The Duke of Friedwald, sire. the
betrothed of the Princess Louise"
And your purpose hereT
"My master sent me to the princess.
I'll miss thee. rogue said he. Ills
proof of love to send thee. my merry
companion of the wine cup! But so!
Nature hath formed thee to conjure
sadness from lady's face So l set
out upon my perilOus journey, and, ia
vored by fortune, am but safely arriv-
ed. / was cen now about to repair to
the princess. whom trust, in my
humble way, to amuse."
"And thou shalt!' said the king sig
nifcantly.
"Oh, your majesty" with assumed
modesty.
THAT is" added Francis. IF it will
amuse her to see you hanged
And if it did not alnuse her. sirer
spoke up the newcomer, without Z
tremor in his voice.
what then?' asked the king.
at would be breach Of hospitality
to hang me. the servant Of the duke
who is servant of Charles W. he re-
piled boldly.
Francis started. Like menace
shone the arms of the great emperor
Vividly he recalled his own humilia
ton. his long captivity, and mistrust
ed the power Of his subtle. amiablt
friend-enemy. Friendship? Sweetel
was hatred. But the promptings OF
wisdom had suggested the policy OF
peace; the reins Of expediency drove
him. nutocrat or slave, to the doctrines
| of loving brotherhood. He turned his