Evening star., 1908-01-12


LA a quarrel with the Duke OF Wes-
IA SIX would at this tuncture
greatly endanger his own popu-
larity at the English court, and thereby
minimize his chances of carrying through
the negotiations intrusted to him by King
Philip of Spain.
Under the leadership OF his eminence
the Cardinal de Moreno he certainly
hoped TO bring about the marriage Oh
Philip with the Queen of England.
He. knew perfectly well that he and his
eminent colleague were opposed in this
design by the entire ultra-English rae
tion here. and also that this faction was
composed of practically the whole of the
nobility and chivalry of the realm
The Duke of wessex was the pride and
hope OF this party, for Courtenay. weak
and effeminate had lost all his partisans.
What more natural than that the most
distinguished most brilliant, of Queen
Mary's subjects should share her throne
with her?
All this and more swiftly passed through
Don Miguel's active brain. Therefore, as
soon as there was a lull in the 1oy1ui
welcome accorded to the duke by his
friends. he too, stepped forward. having.
with vigorous self-will. curbed his unruiy
temper and forced his full, senSuous lips
10 smile. He had realized the expedi-
ency of at any rate outward amiability.
"A great name my lord he sad,
bowling with great ceremony to Wessex.
land one familiar to me already. though
I have not yet been honored by seeing
you at court
The duke eyed him for the space OF two
brief seconds, whilst just the faintest
touch of superciliousness seemed to be
lurking somewhere at the back of his
neck. But he returned the Spaniard
bow with equal ceremony. Then hel
placed his hand on the head of his dog.
Nay. sir, he said, my friend here
bears a prouder name than mine. Harry
Plantagenet make your bow TO the envoy
of his most Catholic majesty. l call him
Plantagenet, sir. after our King Harry
court Nay! your pardon! this scarce in
terests you. You were not born then and
Spain was not then a kingdom"
He spoke lightly, and none but Ever
ingham's devoted ears caugh, the slight
tone of impertnence which underlay the
bland. seemingly empty speech.
Don Miguel himself was determined to
keep urbane
"a beautiful creature, indeed" he said,
suavely, but you. milor duke. do you re-
turn TO Hampton Court with us this
night?"
"Oh," replied Wessex. among so many
brilliant diplomatists from Spain there's
scarce room for mere idler like my
self"
"Yet we diplomatists are hoping to pit
our poor wits against your graces," add
ed Don Miguel pointedly.
Against those of my friends perhaps,
my lord rejoined the duke dryly. my
own are incorrigibly idle"
Don Miguel as was his wont, did not
pursue the subject any further. He was
trying to read the refined. distinctly
naughty cogntenance. which was smiling
down at him so pleasantly just now, and
i, ,1tes mil CT
whom run,or had described to him and to
his chief as the only serious obstacle TO
the proposed Spanish alliance.
He saw before him a man full of pride
of youth and manhood, tall and well-knit.
and wearing with easy grace the elaborate
slashes and puffs. trunks and silk hose
which present fashion had decreed.
The Spaniard's keen and critical eye
took in avery detail of this interesting
personality; the short light brown hair
tache and delicately refined hands, the
richness of the doublet. the priceless
value of the lace at throat and wrist.
"A fop and an idler!' he murmured
mentally.
Then he thought OF the Queen of Eng
landi No longer young. with but little
taste In ornament and dress, and. certes.
quite unversed in all those wiles which
might have drawn this brilliant butterfly
into her net.
The Spaniard longed to see these two
together; the presence of this formidable
adversary gave additional zest to the
game he was playing on the political
chessboard.
An unwilling courtier, A Iovesick queen!
Carramba. 1t was interesting.
when do you return to the palace. my
lord?' Everingham was asking of the
duke.
Tonight" replied the latter. "by our
gracious liege lady's own command"
Tonight, them"
without fail. Harry Plantagenet and
1 will present our humble respects to her
majesty"
"'Tis au revoir. then, your grace"
.quoth Don Miguel. I'VE meet again to-
night"
AT your service. my lord marquis"
Still smiling amicably, the Spaniard
took his leave, soon followed by two OF
his companions. Lord Everinghanl, too.
was about to depart. but he felt Wessex's
OBTAINING hand on his arm
THAT unpleasant-looking Spaniard?"
queried the duke.
Don Miguel. Marquis de Suarez," re-
piled Everingham. "envoy Of his majesty
the King of Spain"
Aye! I knew all that. I was merely
rejecting that II he happen to be a speci-
men OF our liege lady's court meseems
l were fool to go back to tt
Come back to 1t with me now," urged
his friend earnestly.
Not till tonight. Do not grudge me
these last few hours of freedom. BY our
lady, 1 meant to consult the famous
witch like a sober burgher out on holi-
day But in the name of all the saints
in the calendar let us forget there are
such things as Spaniards at the English
court just now"
He laughed half-weary. wholly pleas
ant laugh as. followed by his dog. he led
his friend In the opposite direction to
that in which Don Miguel had rapidly
walked away.