Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1905-05-25

~ trust. sire your majesty will re-
consider your deCision:'
With strained look the young girl
regarded them. To what new dangers
had she summoned him? Was not she.
the duke, even the emperor himself, in
the power of the king. for the present
at least? And knowing well Francis
headstrong passions. his violence when
crossed, it was not strange at that mo-
ment her heart sank She felt on the
brink Of an abyss, nameless peril
toward whish she had drawn the com
panion OF her flight 1t seemed an
endless interval before the monarch
spoke.
l"Ah, you heard remarked Francis
at length satiricaily.
Inadvertently. Sire" answered the
duke. His voice was steady, his face
pale, but in his blue eyes a CLINT as of
fire came and went. Self assurance
marked his bearing; dignity, pride. He
looked not at the young girl. but calm
ly met the scrutiny of the king. The
latter surveyed him from head to foot.
then suddenly stared hard at Il sword
whose hilt cleaned even brighter than
his own and was fashioned in form
that recalled not impcrfectly Il hazard
of other days.
Where did YOU get that blade:" he
asked abruptly.
From the daughter of the consta-
BILE of Dubros'
sWhv did ell, triVo II 10 Won ~
$40 protect her. sire"
The mOnarchs countenance became
more thoughtful, less acrimonious. How
the present seemed involved in the
past Were kings. then, enmeshed in
the web of their own acts? Were
even the gods not exempt from retribu-
tory justice? Those were days of SILL
perstition, when coincidence nssum-
ed the importance of memorable des-
tiny.
"Once was it drawn against me"
said Francis refiectively.
Il trust, sire, it may never again be
drawn by an enemy Of your majesty"
The king did not reply. but stood as
q man who yet took counsel with him
self.
by what right" he asked finally,
do you speak for the LADY,"
A moment the duke looked discon-
certed. by what right?"
Then swiftly he regarded the girl.
AS quickly-a fash it seemed-her dark
eyes made answer their language more
potent than words. He could but I'M
derstand. Doubt and misgiving were
forgotten; the hesitation vanished from
his manner. Hastily crossing to her
side he took her hand and unreSisting-
~ 1t lay in his. His heart beat faster.
Her sudden acquiescence filled him
with wonder. At the same time his
task seemed easier. To protect her
now. The king coughed ironically.
and the duke turned from her to him.
"By what right. your majesty" he
said In voice which sounded differ
ent to Francis. This lady Ia my af-
danced BRIDE sire"
PiQue. umbrage. mingled In the OK
preston which replaced all other feel
Ing on the kings countcnnncc as he
heard this announcement. With mani
fest displeasure he looked from one to
the other.
"Is this true, mademoiselle? he
asked sternly.
Her cheek was red. but she held her.
self bravely.
"Yes. SIRE" she said.
A new emotion leaped to the dukes
face as he heard her lips thus fearless
ly confirm the answer Of her eyes.
And SO, before the monarch In that
court which Marguerite called the
court Of love, they plighted their troth.
Something in their manner. however.
puzzled the observant king-an exal'
tation perhaps uncalled for by the sim
pie telling Of q secret understanding
between them. that rapid interchange
Of glances, that Significance OF man.
ner when the duke stepped to her side.
Francis bit his lips.
MA fol" he exclaimed sharply.
This is somewhat abrupt. How long.
my lord. since she promised to be your
wife"
"Since your majesty spoke" return
sd the duke TRANQUILITY.
And before thstr