Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1905-03-28

7" 1HE young E!aiis ."o" .'"eS
dark. TnInuit.. ICj thoughts
l6s7 :SI filled his brain. Cai!!ette's
t&szEY words Brusquet's rhymes.
confirming his IN conviction. ranked
in his mind. This king dared arrogate
a law absolute unto himself-its stat
utes his own caprices, its canOns his
own pretensions? The duke remem-
bered the young girls Outburst against
the monarch, and feeling of hatred
arose in his breast; his hand involun-
tarily sought his sword, the blade Of
Francis implacable enemy.
1--WE have heard your story. my
child, from our brother, the emperor"
the king was saying, land although
your father rebelled against his mon
arch we harbor it not against the
daughter"
"Sire." she answered in a low tone,
II regret the emperor should have ac-
quainted you with this matter"
"You have no cause for fear" Fran
els replied, misinterpreting her words.
She offered no response, and the duke,
moving into the light, observed the
king was regarding the young girl III
tently. his tall figure conspicuous
above the cOurtiers.
Flushed. Jacqueline looked down.
the white robed form. however. very
straight and erect. her hair untrammel-
ed with the extreme conventions of the
day, single flower spot OF color
amid its abundance. Even the duchess
-bejeweled, bedecked, tricked out-in
her own mind had pronounced the
young girl beautiful, md there surely
was no mistaking the covert admira-
ton of the monarch as his glance en-
compassed her Despite her assumed
composure. it was obvious to the duke
that only by strong effort had she
nerved herself to that evenings task.
The red hue on her cheeks. the bright
ness of her eyes, told Of the suppressed
excitement her manner failed to be-
trsy.
"Why should you leave with ChnrlesT
continued Francis. perhaps were we
overhasty in contiscating the castle of
the constable. Vrai Dieu." lie added
meditatively. had he unbent but Il
little. Marguerite told us we were
driving him to despair, but the queen
regent and the rest Of our counselors
prevailed''- He broke Off abruptly
and directed bolder gaze to hers.
"May not Il monarch. mademoiselle.
undo what he has doneY
Even u king cannot give life to the
dead" she replied, and her voice
sounded hard and unyielding.
NO" he assented moodily. but 1t
would not he impossible to restore the
castle-to his daughter"
"Sire." she exclaimed in surprise.
then shook her head, with your majes'
tvs permission. | shall leave with the
emperor"
Francis made an impatient move
ment. Her intlexibility recalled one
who long ago had renounced his fealty
to the throne. Her resistance kindled
the flame that had been smoldering in
his breast.
"But II have pointed out to the EN-
peror that your proper station is here?'
he went on. "If he recognizes that 1t
would be to your disadvantage to di-
vert that destiny which lies In Frances"
His words were measured. his man.
ner tinged with seeming paternal inter-
est; but, as through mask, she dis
cerned his face. cynical. libidin0us. the
cOuntenance Of a sybarite. not king.
The air became sitting. The ribaldry
of laughter enveloped her. instructive
ly she glanced around. and her restless.
troubled gaze fell upon the duke.
What was 1t lie read in her eyes? \
confession of insecurity, fear, Il mute
appeal? Before it all, his doubts and
misgivings vanished. The look they en-
changed was like that when she had
stood on the staircase In the inn.
Upon the monarch. engrossed in his
purpose. it was lost. II silence gives
consent, then had she already acqui-
esced in wish which from king
became demand, but Francis. ever
cOmplaisant. with an Inconsistent
chivalry worthy Of the subterfuge OF
his character. desired to appear for
bearing. indUlgent.
"FOr your own sake" he added.
"must we refuse that permission you
ask Of us."
She did not answer, and, noting the
direction of her gaze, the eager ex-
pectancy written OH her face. Francis
turned sharply. At the same time the
duke stepped forward.
The benignity faded from the kings
manner: his countenance. which ''at no
time would have made a mans for
.,