The Montgomery tribune. (Montgomery City, Mo.) 1892-1910, 1906-01-19

addressed, repi1e0s
"A soldier, though from Italy, las
scant time to form opinions on sub
jects that belong to the domain of the
court Although ne to marriage" he
added, with a smile and twinkle of the
eye, II seem to remember q saying
we have in Tuscany: Before going
to war say o prayer; before going to
sea, say two prayers; before marry
ing, say three"
A burst Of laughter from the group
greeted this reply, but before anything
else was said q whisper passed about
the room, Ike KingL' aud In q mo-
ment the crowd surrounding his ia
vorite had parted, leaving an open
way, down which he passed.
Before them all he stood, the chief
puppet Of the play; backed by the
strength Of armies whose advance
meant destruction, yet weak as water
beneath the caress Of q mistress or
the wiles Of a crafty minister, yet the
most polished voluptuary Of his court;
shrewd almost to cunning in his coun-
try's diplomacy, yet blinded by an
egotism SO great that were his bitter
est enemy also an accomplished fat
terer, he and that enemy would be
friends ere shutdown.
He was clad in q rich velvet coat
with amazingly wide skirts; brocaded
waistcoat reaching halfway to the
knee; satin small-clothes and silk
stockings; silver-buckled shoes that
came nearly up to the ankle, with red
heels four inches high; an immense
wig, covered with flour, upon his head;
a three-cornered cockaded hat, a gold
headed cane, and diamond. hilted
sword. He .endeavored to move with
dignity, but he walked with q strut,
elbows sticking out, rolling eyes, and
~out-turned toes. A king indeed he
was, yet at ono the strongest, weak
est, grandest, most ridiculous monarch
Of all Europe.
He had advanced halfway toward
his favorite, who was ready with a
smile to greet him, when he suddenly
stopped before one of the company
who was clad in the prevailing mode,
but all Of his garments were black,
In strange contrast with the peacock
colors all about him, while large bands
Of Grape about the arms and stockings
made him a prominent figure amid
the otherwise brightly gay throng.
He was the husband of Madame de
Montespan.
The king frowned. "Why all this
dark array and black looks, marquis?
For whom have you donned such
heavy mourning?" he demanded.
"For my wife," was the reply, as the
man gazed steadily into the eyes Of
Louis and then looked at Madame de
Montespan, who was turning white
with anger. The king flushed, bit his
lip, then without a word turned upon
his heel, and, walking to the door
leading to his cabinet. disappeared. .
La Sale and Tonti moved toward
the door az the company, except those
who had appointments with the king,
began to dispense.
II fear the royal temper will not be
greatly sweetened by this incident"
remarked the former dryly.
"Pardieu! i like the marquis cour-
age" exclaimed Tonti by way Of reply.
They had waited but q few minutes
when the door opened and their names
were called. They entered the kings
cabinet and found him seated at a
long table Uttered with papers; near
by sat his Minister Colbert, while In
a windows embrasure on the further
side of the room stood the minister's
secretary with his back to the rest of
the company, gazing out upon the
street.
La Sale and Tonti advanced and
stood at a respectful distance. All
look Of annoyance had left the kings
face as he addressed them.
$50. Sleur de la Sale, you have
brought your lieutenant with you for
his commission. 1 recollect him well.
Twas he that displayed such gal
lantry In the Sicilian campaign. l
have also heard the story of his iron
hand; a brave deed braveiy done. Also
Of his actions before Messina, his i'm
prisonment and ALL"
otis naught, SIRE" was Tonti's re-
ply in q deprecating tone. "The
knowledge Of your appreciation Of my
efforts to serve your majesty, together
With the captaincy and the 800 livres
Z received, are ample rewards"
Louis looked at the speaker sharply,
as II to determine whether the irony
he fancied he detected In the last
words were real or not.
There were other rewards given
him which he has forgotten to men-
tion." said Colbert. In a hesitating
tone. ut is not usual for foreign on
GERS to occupy the responsible posi-
tons In the royal forces that he has
held. That Of itself ought to be dis
tincticn enough. Your majesty has
Just asked me for my humble opinion
a. to the brave ~capitaine's commits
sion. Like all Of my opinions. II would
be worthless, but / should not recon-
mend the signing Of It."
Under the cloak OF humility, the