Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-02-20

ting that surprise or she knew not what had made her speak.
 Welded two days since.''
 He repeated 1t to himself, striving to realize what 1t meant. You must have your drollery.' he said unsteadily at length.
 She did not reply. and he continued to question her with his eyes Quite still she remained save for an almost imperceptible movement of breathing. Against the dull beams from the aper- ture above her hair darkly framed her : face. pale, dim with half lights, llluso- ry. When he again spoke his voice sounded new to his own ears.
 How could the princess have been married? Even if I have lain here as long as you say, the day for the we'd ding was set for at least week from ! now"
 But changed" she responded unex- pectedly. "Changed" he cried. sitting on the edge of the couch and regarding her as though he doubted he had heard alright. "Why should it have been changed?"
 Because the duke became a most impatient suitor." she answered. "Dai- ly he grew more eager Finally to at tain his end he importuned the count ess. She laughed, but good naturedly acceded to his request and in turn im. portuned the king, who generously yielded. It has been q rare laughing matter at court that the duke. who ap- peared the least passionate adorer, should really have been such restless one"
 bolt that l have been" exclaimed the jester. with more anger, it seemed to the girl than jealousy. And so he they are gone, Jacqueline?'
 Yes" she returned. surprised at his language and for the first time won- dering if the dukes wooing admitted of other complications than she had suspected. They are on their way to the dukes kingdom
 His kingdom" said the fool, with derision. But go on. Tell me about it, Jacqueline-how they set out on their journey
 They were married in the Chapelle de la Trinite." responded the girl. hesi- she went on rapidly: ''The bridal party made an imposing cavalcade; the prin- cess in her litter behind a number of maids on horseback Besides the groom's own men the king sent strong escort to the border and thus it was numerous company that rode from the castle, with cOlors flying and the princess handkerchief fluttering from her litter last farewell
 "A last farewell." repeated the fool. "A splendid picture. Jacqueline. They all shouted Te Deum. and none stood there to warn her.
 ''To warm retorted the jestress. Not q maid but envied her that spec tacle-the magnificence and splendor."
 But not what will follow" he said and, lying back on his couch, closed his eyes.
 The free baron must have known the emperor was in Spain and had met the fools stratagem with q final masterly meneuver. The bout was over, the first great bout; but in the next--would there be next? Jacqueline's words = now implied doubt.
 You are soon to leave here" she said, flor Paris
 Why am I to leave for ParisT he remarked absently.
 Because they are going to take you there." she returned, ito be tried as a heretic." He started and again sat up. Tn your room was found book by Calvin. Now heretic need expect no mercy. They are placed in cages hung from beams over the fire" Abruptly she arose. Would you escape such fate?" she added.
 He remained silent. thinking that if the mission to the emperor miscarried his own position might. indeed, be past mending If the exposure of the free baron were long delayed. the fools as surance in his own ultimate release might prove but vain expectation. In Paris the trial would doubtless not be protractcd. From the swift tribunal 10 the slow fire constituted no compli- cated legal process. and appeal there was none, save to the king. from whom might he expected little mercy. less justice.
 Escape" the jester answered. dwell ing on these matters But how:''
 By leaving this prison" she answer ed. lowering her voice.
 He glanced significantly at the walls. the windows and the door. beyond which could be heard the tread of the jailer and the clanking of the keys hanging from his girdle.
 II would have done that long since. Jacqueline. if I had had my will" he replied.
 Are you strong enough to attempt it:" she remarked doubtfully. scanning the thin face before her.
 Your words shall make me so.'' he retorted. And. looking into his glitter ing eyes. she almost believed him
 Not today. hut tomorrow" the girl added thoughtfully. Perhaps tLen''-
 ''I shall he ready" he broke in i'm patiently. What must I do:''
 Not drink this wine I have brought. but give Ii to the turnkey in the morn Ing. Invite him to share it. hut take none yourself. feigning sudden illness. He will not refuse. being always sharp set for q cup. Although he drinks many tankards and pitchers every day. yet will this small bottle make him drowsy. Ton will leave while he is sleeping
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