Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1905-05-18

Jacqueline. Charles had
spoken loudly, and, drawn irresistibly
to the scene, she had caught his sig
niticant words at the moment she rec
ognized in his brave accouterments
him whom she had known as the
dukes fool.
When she had heard above the din Of
the fray the cries with which the new
conner had been greeted. no suspicion Of
his identity had crossed her mind. She
had wondered, been puzzled at the I'm
expected appearance Of Robert. duke
Of Friedwald. but that he and the all
ing fool were one and the same was
wide from her field of speculation. In
amazement she regarded the knight
who had turned the tide of conflict,
and then started. noticing the colors he
wore. paltry yellow ribbon on his
arm, the badge of her Office. Much she
Ind not understood now appeared
plan-his assurance in Fools hail. his
reckless daring his skill with the
sword. He was soldier. not n jester;
lord. not lords servant.
Lost in no less wonder. the princess
gazed from the free baron to Charles
and back again to the lifeless form.
STOPPING. she looked steadfastly into
the face az though she would read its
secret. Perhaps. too. as she studied
those features piece by piece she
patched together the scenes Of the
past. Her own countenance began to
harden. as though some part Of that
mask Of death had fallen upon her,
and when she glanced once more at
the emperor they saw she no longer
doubted. With forced self control she
turned to the emperor.
DOUBTLESS it is some brave pastime,"
she said to Charles. "Will your ma jes-
ty deign to explain?"
"Nay," answered the emperor dryly.
'That thankless task I'll leave to him
who played the fool"
Uncovering, the Duke of Friedwald
approached. The excitement of the
contest over, his pallid features marked
the effects of his recent injuries, the
physical strain under which he had la
bored. Her cold eyes swept over him
haughtily. inquiringly.
For the part l have played. mad
am" he said II ask your forbearance
If we both labored under a delusion l
have only regret
Regret Was It an outburst of
grief or wounded pride? He flushed,
but continued firmly:
Madame Ia Princesse. when first a
marriage was proposed between us I
was younger in experience IL not in
years than ] am now, more used to the
bivouac or hunters camps than courts
And wOman'-he smilcd-"well, she
was vague ideal. At times she came
to me when sleeping before the hunts
mans fire In the solitudes of the forest
again was reflected from the pages OF
classic lore. She seemed purt of the
woods and the streams, for by ancient
art had she not been turned into trees
and running brooks? So she whispered
in the boughs and murmured among
the PUSHES. Mere Schwarmerei. Dc
you care to hear? IT'S the only defense
! can offer"
Her contemptuous blue eyes re-
manned fastened on him. She disdained
to answer.
1T was a dreamer from brake and
copse who went in the disguise of q
jester to be near her to win her fol
himself-and then declare his indemnity
Well may you look scornful. Love-,
Is not such q romantic quality-a a,
court! A momentary pastime. perhaps
but-a deep passion-a passion stron
Inn Ina,
Above the face Of her whom nc nd
dressed his glance rested upon Jacque
line. and he paused. The princess
could but note. and derisivc expires
sion crept about her mouth.
"Once l would have told you ALL" h
resumed. ''Ihat night-when you wer,
lady of the lists. But
He broke Off abruptly. wishing Il
spare her the bitter memory of he
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?
1.-The rest, madam, you know-sav,
this" And. STOPPING, he picked up thu
ornament that had dropped from Loui
OF Hochfels' neck. Here, princess. Il
the miniature you sent me. He VIII
used you 30 III stOic II from me II
prison; through it he recognized Tit
0 fool for the duke; with an assassin
= blow he struck me down."
T. A moment he looked Mt that fai
a painted semblance. Did it recall tn
. past too wildly? His face showe'
!, no pain. only tranquility. His eye wa
n rather that of a connoisseur than
lover. He smiled gently. then held l
n to her.
Mechanically she let the portrait Sill
:. through her fingers. and 1t fell to tn
G moistened grass near the form Of hin
e who had welded her Then ahe drew