Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1905-04-27

Oecept1On. But nOWT
Step by step the kings guest had
left the palace behind him until the
surrounding shrubbery shut it from
view, but the path, sweeping onward
with graceful curve, brought him sud.
denly to n beautiful chateau. Lost in
thought, he gazed within the Towering
ground at the ornate architecture, the
marble statues and the little lake in
whose pelucld depths were mirrored
a thousand beauties of that chosen
spot, an improved Eden Of the land
scape gardener wherein resided the
Countess d Etampes.
"Why." thought the free baron,
Frightening abruptly, that chance
which served me last night, which
forced the trooper to speak today now
has led my stupid feet to the sooth-
sayer."
Within much begilt and gorgeous
bower he soon found himself awaiting
patiently the Coming of the kings IA
vorite. Upon tiny chair of gold too
fragile for his bulk the caller mean
while inspected the ceilings and walls
of this dainty domicilc, mechanically
striving to decipher Il painted allegory
of Venus and Mars or Helen and Paris
or the countess and Francis, he could
not decide precisely It's purport. when
she floated into the room, dressed in
some daphanous stuff natural ac-
compartment to the other decorations,
her dshabille a positive note of mod
4 ~ It'll
graceful poses of those tributes to love
with which primaticcio and other 1tal-
ian artists had adorned this bower.
"How charming of you vaguely
murmered the lady, sinking lightly up
on u settee. what an early riser you
must be, duke"
Although it was then but two hours
from noon, the visitor confessed HIM
self open to criticism in this regard.
"And you as well, madam" he added,
"must plead guilty Of the same fault.
One can easily see you have been out
in the garden and" he Numbered on,
"stOlen the tnts from the roses"
Sharply the countess looked Mt him.
but read only an honest attempt at a
compliment.
why" she said. you are becoming
as great fatterer as the rest OF them
But, confess now, you did not call to
tell me that!"
mo, madam" he answered, taking
credit to himself for his diplomacy. at
is not necessary that truth should be
premeditated. ! had serious purpose
in seeking you. OF all the court you
alone can assis. me. 1t is to you only
l can look for aid. Knowing you gener-
Gus, l have ventured to come
You interest me-" she laughed. ut
must be pressing emergency when
you honor me--so early in the day"
ut is, madam" he replied. very
pressing to me. I want the wedding
day changed"
"Changed" she exclaimed, staring at
him. "Deferred?"
mo: FASTENED. madam. 1t is too long
to wait. Go to the king; ask him to
shorten the interval; to set the day
sooner. beg Of you. madam
"Oh. this is delicous!" purred the
countess. II will be your messenger,
your advocate. and will plead your
cause and will win your case. But
what about the princess? What will
she say when
1T shall be my task to persuade her.
I am sure she will consent" returned
the sutton.
Perhaps you have spoken to her al
ready" asked the countess.
NO, madam; without your assist
ance. of what use would be her willing
ness?
What n responsibility you PLACE on
my weak shoulders" cried the other.
However, l will not shift the burden.
! will go to his majesty at once. And
do you go to the princess
AT your command" he replied and
took his departure.