Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-02-02


N other in their hostile attitude
- toward the man who was the
formidable stumbling block to
all their diplomatic intrigues.
The duke himself. in spite of his naughty
aloofness from party politics, knew full
well how great was the enmity which his
personality aroused in the minds of all
the strangers at Mary's court.
He was certainly much more amused
than disturbed by this general hostile at
titude toward himself. and many a time
did the various ambassadors have to
suffer, with seeming good nature. the
pointed and caustic shafts aimed at them
by his grace's ready wit.
No wonder. therefore. that Wessex
looked with some suspicion on this sud
den change of front on the part of one
OF his most avowed antagonists.
How can / have the honor Of serving
an envoy of the King of Spain?' he con-
tinued lightly.
But Don Miguel appeared in no hurry to
speak. His manner seemed to have COM
pletely altered. AS a rule he was per-
feet model of self-possessfon am easy
confidence. with just a reflection OF his
distinguished chiefs, the cardinals, own
suavity of manner apparent In all his
ways. Now he was obviously Ill at ease.
shy and nervous, and wit marked de-
sire to be frank. yet too bashful to give
vent to so boyish an outburst.
There was in his dark eyes. too, look
almost of appeal toward the duke to meet
his sudden access of friendliness half
way. All this Wessex had already noticed
with the one quick glance which he cast
at the Young Spaniard He motioned him
to a chair and himself leant lightly
against the edge of the table.
Don Miguel took this to be an encour-
aSement to proceed.
Firstly your grace's pardon II should
unwillingly transgress." he began.
MY pardon?' rejoined the duke, much
amused at the marquis obvious embar-
rassment. "'Tis yours already. But how
transgress?
BY the asking of question which your
grace might deem indiscreet.'
May. my lord quoth the duke gayly.
mo question need be indiscreet. ough
answers often are"
"Your grace is pleased to laugh-but In
this case-I-that isl hardly know how
to put it-yet would assure your
grace
by our lady. man. cried Wessex.
with a slight shrug of impotence, as
sure me no assurances! but tell me what
You wish to say"
well, then. since I have your grace's
leave-my object is this. Court gossip
has II that you are affianced the Lady
Ursula Glynde."
The duke did not reply. Don Miguel
looked up and saw quaint smile hover
ing round h-e grace's lips. The young
Spaniard, though an earnest and even
proficient reader of other mems thoughts.
did not quite understand the meaning
that smile; it seemed wfstful yet trium-
plant, full OF i'ayety and yet with sus-
picion of that strange and delicious mel
anchoiy which Is never quite inseparable
But az he seemingly was meeting with
no rebuff. the marquis continued more
boldly:
.And-but your grace must really par
don me-1 hardly know how to put IT so
not to appear superintendent tbs also
said that YOU do not wish to claim the
ladv's hand"
Marry, rejoined the duke with laugh.
THEN he paused. as if In the act of re-
calling his somewhat rowing thoughts
and said more co'dly:
You must pardon me. my lord. If l
do not quite perceive In what manner this
may concern YOU.
IT pray your grace to have patience
with me yet awhile longer. will explain
my purpose directly. For the moment /
would entreat you. an you will. to an
swer my question. 1t Is matter OF serf-
Gus moment to me. and you would render
me eternally your debtor.
None knew t>etter in these days than did
the high-borr Standards all the many
little tricks of 7oica and gesture which go
to make up tn. abstruse and difficult art
of diplomacy. Don Miguel at this juno
ture looked so t,ank. so boyish and withal
so earnest. tn the Duke Of Wessex-
himself the 81 Il of truth and candor-
never even susf .cted II at the young man
was but playiny. 81 part and enacting
scene. which Nc Ind rehearsed under the
skilIful maragaN ent of his eminence the
SPA iSh cardinal.
wessex ever ready to see the merry
side of. life. ever ready for eayety and
brightness felt COMPLETELY disarmed glad
enough to lay aside the eold reserve which
the foreign ENJOYS themselves had called
forth in him. He liked the MARQUIS under
this new semblance OF boyish guileIess-
ness and returned his tone of daferential
frankness with one Of easy familiarity
"rhe question. my lord. is somewhat
difficult to answer" he said. with mock
seriousness. the while a gay laugh was
dancing in his eyes. you see there are
certain difficulties in the way. The Lady
Ursula is Glynde-and all the GIyndes
have brown eyes. Now at this moment I
feel as II could never love brown eye
again.".
"The LADY Ursula is very beautiful" re-
joined The Spaniard.
''Possibly-but YOU surprise me-"
"Your grace has never seen her?''
Never. since she WIS out OF her
cradle"
IT have the advantage of your grace.
then"
"Yeu know her. nv lord?"
'Intimate1v"' said Don Miguel. with
what seemed an irresistible impulse.
Then he checked his enthusiasm with a
visible effort and stammered with re-
turn of his previous nervousness:
THAT is. l.
''Tnso" ouaried the duke
THAT is the purport Of my Importantly.
my lord" said the young man. springing
to his feet and spaaking once more in
tones OF noble candor 81 would have
asked your grace that. since you do not
know the Lady Ursula. since YOU have no
wish to claim her hand IL some one
elsa-'
IF the Lady Ursula honorsd some one
else than nv unworthy self--is that your
meaning. my lord?'' dueried Wessex. as
Don Miguel had made a slight pause In his
imn"tuous speech.
eff L"
You my lord?'
Il would wish to know II should be
offending Your grace
Offending me-" cried Wessex joyfullv.
"Nay. my lord why were YOU so long in
telling me this gladstone news? OFFENDING
meo-you have succeeded in taking n
loadstone from nv conscience. my dear
marquis. So YOU love the Lady Ursula
Glvnde?-ye heavens what number of
circumlocutions to arrive at this slmpl"
little fact, You love hAr-shA is very
beautiful-and she loves YOU. Where did
You first see her. nv lord?
AT East Molesey Fair. Your grace In
terveued-you must remamber.'
Most inopportunely. meseens. l must
indeed crave you pardon. And since
them"
THE acoua'ntanceship. perhaps some
what unp'aasantly begun. has ripened
into-friendship.'
Ay,I int a IN, Ia q VI