The Richmond palladium. (Richmond, Ind.) 1906-1907, 1906-12-26

E IL. :
Il should be glad TO see you again
later in the evening, but at present |
/ desire a little leisure for solitary
Thought
Father la Chaise left the cabinet with
a deep distrust of the kings intentions.
+ 1t was obvious that the powerful APP
/ peals which had been made to him had
shaken if they had failed to alter his
: resolution. What would be the result
if more were made: And more would
be made. That was as certain as that
darkness follows light. Some master
card must be played now which would
bring the matter to a crisis at once.
The bishop of Meaux was waiting in
the anteroom. and Father la Chaise in
a few brief words let him see the dan
ger of the situation and the means by
which they should meet it. Together
they sought Mime. de Maintenon in her
room. As the two plotters looked upon
her perfect complexion, her regular fea-
lures, so calm and yet 50 full of refine
ment. and the exquisite grace of her
figure and bearing they could not but
feel that if they failed in their ends it
was not for want of having perfect
tool.
She had risen at their entrance, and
her expression showed that she had
read upon their faces something of the
anxiety which filled their minds.
you have evil newsr' she cried.
mo, no. my daughter" 1t was the
bishop who spoke. But we must be
on our guard against our enemies, who
would turn the king away from you If
they could
Her face shone at the mention Of her
lover. "Ah, you do not know she
cried. HE has made a vow. would
trust him as / would trust myself"
But the Jesuit's intellect was arrayed
against the intuition of the woman.
Our opponents are many and strong"
said he, shaking his head. 1--WE must
bring the matter to an end"
And how, father?'
1.-THE marriage must be at once, this
very night if possible
'.Oh. father. you ask too much The
king would never consent to such a
proposal"
1T is he that will propose it,
''And why?"
Because we shall force him to. 1t
is only thus that all opposition can be
will accept it, Until 1t is done they
will resist it,
what would you have me do, then,
ia ther?"
Resign the king"
Resign him. She turned - pale
as lily.
ut is the best course. madame"
'.Ah father, 1 might have done it
last month last week, even yesterday
morning.
"Fear not. madame. We advise you
for the best. Go to the king now, at
once. Say to him that you have heard
that he has been subjected to much
annoyance upon your account, that you
cannot bear to think that you should
be cause OF dissension in his own
family and that therefore you will re-
lease him from his promise and will
withdraw yourself from the court for
ever
She cast a light mantle about her
shoulders.
Il follow your advice" she said 81
believe that you are wiser than I. But
oh, If he should take me at my word"'
He will not take you at your word"
The king had remained alone in his
cabinet. wrapped in somewhat gloomy
thoughts. Suddenly there came a gen.
tie tap at the door. and there was the
woman who was in his thoughts stand
ing in the twilight before him. He
sprang TO his feet and held out his
hands with a smile.
"Francoise. You here? Then / have
at last welcome visitor. and it is the
first ono fOdoy'
"Sire. 1 fear that you have been
troubled"
Il have indeed, FRANCHISE"
But l have remedy for it,
"And what is that?''
Il shall leave the court sire, and you
shall think no more of what has passed .
between us. | have brought discord +
where l meant to bring peace. Let me /
retire TO St Cyr or to the Abbey of i
Fontevrault, and you will no longer be /
called upon to make such sacrifices for +
my sake
The king turned deathly pale and |
clutched at her shawl with a trembling I
hand. as though he feared that she I
was about to put her resolution into /
effect that very instant
'.No. no. FRANCHISE; you must not I
leave me! You must stay with me and
be my wife" He could hardly speak i
for agitation, and he still grasped at
her dress to detain her.
Some time must elapse before our
wedding. sire. Yet during all that in
terval you will be exposed to these an
How can | be happy when
/ feel that have brought upon you so
long a period of discomfort? \ day
would be too long, sire, for You to be
unhappy through my fault. 1t Is a
misery to me to think Of it. Believe
me. it would be better that should
leave you
"Never. You shall not. Why should
We even wait a day. FRANCHISE? 1 am
ready. You are ready. Why should we
not be married now:-
AT once? oh. sire.''
''We shall. 1T is my wish. 1t is my
order. That is my answer to those
who would drive me- Let it be done
secretly, FRANCHISE. I will send in a /
trusty messenger this very night for
the archbishop of Paris, and l swear
49, ILL !