The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1906-10-11
CHAPTER M

bush ngliME Win Alxoh4uiis hhu iiV'
ouols IN the wilds Of Canada An es.
change had brought him back TO France
aud into the regiment Of Pieariy. but
the lucky chance OF having seized the
bride OF the kings horse one winters
day Ia Fontalnebleau when the crea.
ture was plungne within few yards
OF deep gravel pit had done for him
what ten campaigns might have failed
TO accomplish,
A gentleman very richly dressed In
black and silver advanced, ms the door
opened, with the assnrxstah OF man
whose rights are beyond dispute. Cap
tain dc Catinat, however, took quick
step forward, and barred him on from
the door
Il am very sorry, NJ. de Vivonne,"
said he but you are forbidden the
presence"
Forbidden the presence! /? You are
madw He stepped back with gray face
and staring eyes. one shaking hand
half raised in protest
Il assure you that II Is bis order"
III could have one word with the
king"
UNFORTUNATELY. monsieur, II Is Inn
possible"
The angry noblcman stamped his foot
and stared at the door as though he
had some thoughts OF forcing a pas.
sage. Then, turning on his heel, he
hastened away down the corridor with
the air Of n man who has come to a
decision.
"There, now" grumbled De Catinnt
to himself. as he pulled his thick dark
mustache, ''he is off to make some
fresh mischief I'll have his sister here
presently, as like as not, and a pleasant
little choice between breaking my or
ders and making an enemy OF her for
life. BY my faith, here is a lady, as |
feared. All, heaven be praised, 1t Is n
friend and not foe. Good morning
Mile. Nanon."
Good morning. Captain de Catinat"
The newcomer was n tall, graceful
brunette, her fresh face and sparkling
black eyes the brighter In contrast with
her plain dress,
"a note from Nine, de Maintenor
TO the king. You will hand 1t to him
will you noti'
Certainly mademoiselle. And how
is madame, your mlstressY'
"oh, her director has been with her
all the morning. and his talk Is very.
very good, but II is also very, very sad
Ne are not very cheerful when NJ. Go
det has been TO see us. But forget
monsieur is Huguenot and knows
nothing OF directors
oh, but do not trouble about such
differences"
"Ah, II monsieur could talk TO Nine
de Naintenon little! She would con.
vert him"
IL would rather talk to Mile. Nanon,
but IT,
Orr There was an exclamation,
,slsk of dark skirts, and the soubrette
disappeared down side passage.
Along the broad lighted corridor was
gliding very stately and beautiful
Idy, tall, graceful and exceedingly
naughty. The lady was past her frst
youth, II Is true, but the magnificent
.rryes OF her queenly figure, the purity
OF her complexion, the brightness OF
.er deep lashcd blue eyes and the clear
.cgularlty Of her features enabled her
| still 10 claim to be the most handsome
as well as the most sharp tongued wo-
nan In the court OF France.
"Ah. 1t is Captain de CatinatF' said
Nine. de Montespan, with smile.
Your humble servant, marquise.'
Il am fortunate In finding friend
here for there has been some ridicu-
| lous mistake this morning
IL am concerned TO hear It."
III was about my brother. NJ. de VI
yonne II is almost too laughabIe to
! mention, but he was actually refused
| admission 10 the lever"
ut was my misfortune TO have to re-
I fuse him. madame"
you. Captain de Catlnati And by
what rightY' She had drawn up her
,uperb figure, and her large blue eyes
we're blazing with indignant astonisii'
ment
"Ihe kings order madame"
THE king. Is II likely that the king
would cast a public slight upon my
eamllyf From whom bad you this pre-
posterous orderf'
Direct from the king through hon
tens"
absurd! DO you think that the kinl
would venture 10 exclude Mortemar'
through the mouth Of valctr Go, tel
he king that | am here and would
have word with him"
impossible, madame. have beer
forbidden TO carry a message
TO carry any messageT
ANY from you, madame"
"Come, captain, you improve. II onl,
needed this insult TO make the thinI
complete. You may carry q message Il
lhe king from. any adventures, from
any decayei goyerness she laughed
shriily al her description Of her rival
"but none from FRANCHISE de Morte
mart. Marquise Dc Mon,espan,'
such are my orders. madame. ]
pains me deeply 10 be compelled q
carry them out"
"You may spare your pro,esiat'ons
captain. You may yet find that yo'
have every reason 10 b. deeply painei
For ,he last time, do you refuse 10 car
I ~ nay message
Il must. madame"
Then carry II myself"
She sprang forward ai the door, bu
be slipped IA front of her with ou'
stretched arms
~rm Gods sake, consider yourself
madame he enireA,ed Other eye
are upon you"
~rAhl CanalIle. she glanced Al u