The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1906-05-20
THE
QUEENS PAGE
By Cornelia Baker Xs1[ 1sss by the B'0D'
Copyright 1905. by the Bobbs-
= Merrill Company
.> CHAPTER XVI.
The Visit Of Francis the First.

into the natural sleep of childhood But she did
dream of the trouble that being brewed for her at
this time by the king Of France with the consent OF her
royal mother, for the kings sister agreed with him
fully upon all subjects.
One fine morning when it pleased Jeanne to work at
her embroidery, surrounded by her ladies engaged in
the occupation, the sound of horn heard in
the courtyard below, and with cry of delight the
princess sprang to her feet and ran to a window
"a royal messenger' she cried 'He brings news
from the king, my uncle'
. This was indeed the case The king had been stop
ping for time at his palace of Amboise and was hunt
ing that along the banks of the Loire The royal mes
senger brought the that his majesty pleased
to pay visit to the Princess JEANNE and was even then
his way to the castle of PessislesToours.
Everybody under that roof excited, from the
lowest sculon to the haughtiest maid-of honor and
little Jeanne in ecstasy of delight for she loved
her uncle and she hoped he would bring her good
news,-the best of which would be that she should join
her parents and the next best that she should with
her suite to the court of France.
The marquse was busily engaged in putting on with
the assistance of her maid the gown she had ordered
with visit; and, in fact, all the ladies were putting
themselves in gorgeous array each striving to look her
very best.
Finding they were not needed, remembered
by anybody, the twins slipped away. They mounted
dozen steps Of spiral staircase that led to window
commanding view Of the courtyard and there awaited
the coming of the royal party. --~
'This is not the first time have waited for people
to from distance,'' said the little girl. 'The
first was Monsieur de Beaurepas What a wonderful
thing his coming was to US! And now we would not
look out Of the window to watch for just common doc
tor! Afterward watched for the marquise and Fa-
bien, and expecting the king OF France!'
Zone of the greatest kings alive!'' added Pedro.
Soon horn heard and company of gentlemen
dashed the drawbridge and into the courtyard.
''The king and his suite'' cried Petronilla adding
them Guot told that the king OF France travelled
about with thousands OF to guard him andWith the
whole COURT : -.
'|But madame told me'' replied Pedro ''the mes
senger Informed her that but his majesty and
few of his gentlemen to be here today.
''Now I wonder winch is the king If he only had
his his head could easily tell am sure
that short gentleman with light hair must be the king
Is beautiful? Nobody but king could look
like that for all kings beautiful, of course. His
face is red and white like lilies and roses.'
IA king must the good God made him.
said Pedro wisely "Look! That is the king who is
dismountng for the other gentlemen have removed
their hats while he still wears his own.'
tEThat tall with the big nose'' calculated his
sister. "Oh, no, it cannot be.''
'*But ISL insisted Pedro; edo you not see how all
are waiting for him and looking him. and one of the
gentlemen offers him his lean on while another
fastens the buckle of his shoes And you know Guot
told that the king has the largest in France'
eyes, T remember now; and Guiot Dragged about
it as if it were an honor to have a large nose.''
''Why do you not look we'll the king now that
you have chanceg'' asked her brother. \.
So Petronla remained silent turned all her at
tention to the king whom historians have styled 'the
eourty and magnificent monarch of the Renaissance
He tall and strong with bold features, closely
clipped hair and pointed beard. He hunting
suit of dark green velvet embroidered with silver,
green velvet hat, the brim of which thickly set
with Jewels which sparked and glowed in the bright
sunlight, while jeweled chain with large ornament
attached hung about his neck The gentlemen of the
kings suite scarcely less spendidy atted for it
was period when much attention was paid to dress
and when gave much thought to their appear
as the women could possibly do. ~
Francis the First seemed to be in very good humor
this morning, tho matters going very well with
him. He chatted with the gentlemen who walked
either side of him and they disappeared thru
arched doorway his loud laugh out and echoed down
the Corridors
Petronila drew deep sigh of satisfaction. els il
not fine thing to king with one IS eyes?'
said She
''I wonder what Jules would say if he knew that
had the king of France, - said Pedro. elbow
wish could run home and tell them about it, for
not half the pleasure in seeing wonderful things
if you cannot tell somebody about them.'
Francis did not remain long at the abode of his niece
princess summoned to his presence and talked
with him for time after which splendid cola
ton served; and then the king and his gentlemen
70 h. hxzh