The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-01-27
IN MARYS REIGN
By BARONESS ORCZY
'. ,s:. s. m: ;. o:s..: n ..s.. .::....s

One pair of eyes. however, had caught
 that swfft glance. and noted the sud- den, obvious fright which accompanied
 tt Ills Eminence had not taken his
 piercing eyes from off the young girls face. he had seen every movement of
 the deaicate nostrii. every culver of the eyelid.
 What Mary Tudor only hsIf-suspect-
 ed. what the good old Duchess could
 had already more than guessed. The delicate, rosy blush which suf- fused the young girls cheeks. that in- dtscribable something. the half-w cred roses. ell told their tale to this experienced diplomatist, accustomed to read his feilow-creatures. thoughts. Then that quick. apprehensive look to-
 wards the door had confirmed his ev- cry surmise. 'sshe has seen His Grace. |. <. He is cioseted In thereT were his immedi- ate mental deductions. And whilst Dr.
 sula met Her Majesty's cold glance with as much boldness as she could command, and Her Grace of Lincoln lost herself in a maze of abject apoi- ogies. Ills Eninence. seemingly upcon- cerned. edged up to the low door. keep ing the lock and handle thereof well in view.
 "T crave your Majesty's indulgence for the child." the Duchess of Lincoln was muttering. tShe meant no harm. I'll take my oath on that, and she will. I know, return at once to her room. there to grieve over your Majsstys ldisapprovai Of her. She May. Duchess" interrupted the Queen sternly, repentance is far from Lady Ursula's thoughts. and her be- havior Is not the thoughtlessness of 2 moment"
 "Your Majesty ... ]" protested the Duchess, whilst Ursula threw her head
 back in token of proud denial. saThe rurnor has already reached us. continued Mary, "of maid of honcr's 8 strange wanderings at night and in disguise outside the purliens Of the Palace. and that the maiden who so Tar forgot her rank and modesty was none lother than Lady Ursula Giynde."
 Arain that quick. apprehensive glance directed towards the closet door at mention of her name: a glance unseen | by anyone present. save by Ills Eni- nence's watchfui eyes. To him. it had ! revealed all that he wished to know, whilst the Queen. blinded by her own Ijealousy, saw nothing but rival whom
 she desired to huniiiate.
 ssWessex Is behind that door .' unused His Eininence. she starts ev-
 cry time her name is uttered ergo
 he made love to her without knowing who she is."
 1t was natural and simple. The very logical sequence of q series of co-or- l dinafed thoughts. together with . l ahrAwd knowledge of human nature. l How thia little incident would af' feet his own inamzdiate plans. His Elm. l thence had not yet couJectured. That \ it would prove of vast importance ne was never for moment in doubt. Therefore, at a moment when every ones eyes were fixed upon the Queen or Ursula, he quietly turned the key | fn the lock of that closet door, ana Asiiuped the key in his own pocket. After that he rejoined the group Of | ladies. feeling that he could walt In peace until the close of the dramatic 1 little episode.
 ssThe rumor--if rumor there was. s.'
 Ursula had retorted deflanfly. -is false one, your Majesty"
 indeed, child" said the Queen cold < iy, 'sdid you not then some days ago | leave the palace with no other coEn- panion save weak.mlnded Margaret Cobman7" syertly, ."
 "In order to visit. in disguise. er masked, or cloaIked, 1. we know nct
 ---soms public entertainment, Q eouns
 try fair methinks?"
 ''0f a truth. but ."
 "You do not deny that nleseens." q do not deny it, your Majesty. | meant no harm"
 'No harmi hark at the girl! was there no harm then in your meeting certain gentlemen of the court, under circumstances not altogether credit
 able to the fair name of, our English maidens.
 'FTas the Marquis de suarez dared. :" "Nayl We will not name the Mar duis, girl. of truth a gentlemen will dare all, once a maid forgets her own dignity. But enough of this. I spoke
 q word of warning in your own inter- ests. The MRrquis--saving Ills Euai-
 nence's presence---has all the faults of
 his race. We warn you to cease this | Intercourse. which doth no credit to your modesty."
 "Your majesty" retorted Ursula, proud and rebellIous at this slight put upon her. and forgetting for the mo. ment even. the invisible presence Of the man she loved.
 1 (Canfanuaa T0m0FYoy.)