The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1905-03-25

the only part of the extensive grounds
surrounding Hampton Court palace that
NOS we'll wooded, the leaves had not
entirely left the branches and the turf
hnneath was green and firm, as yet TN
sodden by autumnai rain.
Along one of the forest aisles there
walked a distinguished party, proceed
ing slowly, for the pace was set by
disease stricken man whose progress
was of painful elaboration. He was
tall and thin His body was premature
" bent, though accustomed to be
straight enough if one might judge by
the masterful brow, now pallid with ILL
ness or by the glance Of the piercing
owe untamed even by deadly malady.
That he was not long for this earth, II
nature had her way, a scrutinizer OF
that handsome, powerful face might
have guessed, yet he was singled out
for destruction even before his short
allotted time, for at that moment his
enemies. hedged in secrecy behind
locked doors. were anxiously planning
his ruin. They were wise in their
privacy. for had a whisper Of their in
tentions gone abroad the Earl Of STRAIT
ford would have struck first and struck
hard as indeed he intended to do in
any case.
Thomas Wentworth, earl Of STRAIT
ford, was accompanied by an imposing
train. On either side of him. accommO-
dating their slow steps to his, were
some Of the highest in the land. who
waited on his words and accorded him
a Difference more obsequious than that
with which they might have distin-
guished the king himself, for all knew
that this shattered frame was more to
be dreaded than the most stalwart per-
sonage who that day trod English soil.
Behind this noble circle followed a
numerous band Of attendants, alert
for beck or call, each having place
according to his degree. A huntsman
was surrounded by dogs kept in thrall
by fear of the whip. FalcOners with
hooded hawks attested favOrite sport
of the earl, who loved to have the birds
near him even though he made no trial
of their flight And here he walked
the grounds Of the king as If he owned
them; as though he were permanent
master instead of transient guest.
Here he rested for the moment, hop
ing to recover some remnant of health
by the placid Thames, after his trou-
blous journey from Ireland, which
turbulent country lay numb under his
strong hand, soon to be vocal enough
when the hounds were upon him. No
echo Of London's Glamour came to this
green paradise. He knew the mob was
crying out against him, as in truth the
whole country cried, but he needed not
the howl despising his opponents.
Better for him had he been more wary
or more cOnciliatOry.
Among those now in his company
was young De Courcy, one Of the nu-
merous band of Frenchmen smilingly
received at court because the consort
OF Charles had a prediction for her
countrymen-a preference unshared
By any save her husband. The French
contingent thought little Of the scowls
thority smiled on them and the smile
brought profit. They were regarded as
Titled mercenaries, spies probably,
anxious to feather their own nests at
the expense Of the treasury, possibly
the propagating agents Of church of
which England had a deep distrust.
certainly possessing an overweening
influence at court, dividing still fur
Their the unfortunate king from his sus-
piciouS people
1t might have been imagined that
SO thoroughly English, so strenuous,
man as STAFFORD, the last to be de-
4uueu by Suave manners or hattery,
dllnOugh he had an Unsuitable appetite
5or crlnging Differences yet uninf1uenced
W II (as witness his crushing Of Lord
Montmorris in Ireland), would have
SHOWN Scant friendship for frivolous
HIench mobiles, but it was a fact that he
oore from young De Courcy famili-
0FlIy Of address that he would have
dom.
NouruerS find a ready reason for
very action, and they attributed
Sua1ord's forbearance to the influence
De Courcy possessed with the queen,
,o' lis lordship was well aware that
MS sovereign lady showed small lik-
Hs LOT the kings most powerful min
sci STAFFORD was too keen a poll
Dliah not to make every endeavor to
p'"caIe an enemy who at all hours had
aOVeSs TO the private ear of his master,
~ whose breath depended his own ele
ION Therefore it may we'll be that
Hlought it worth while to conciliate
-, VI the naughty lady's favorites.
Tue Iue conversation under the trees was
nea NF frivolous, despite the serious
VI the time. STAFFORD was not
o., 10 wear his heart on his sleeve,
inai. II lie was troubled that the king
+n~,s on his presence in London, re-
1uaIs 10 him permission to return to
9, -anu where he was safe-the WELD
e1, Tue upper hand-his manner or
esslon gave no hint of his anxiety.
Nm nlcal smile curved his bloodless
n Cas- as ne listened to the chatter Of De
7 es' not noticing the silence of the