The citizen-Republican. (Scotland, Bon Homme County, S.D.) 1???-19??, 1912-03-07
CHAPTER XVII.
THE REGENT SHOWS HIS HAND.

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The place was more brilliant than
crowded from end to end by g th-ong
of richly dressed people, from whom
every instant came bursts Of laughter,
following some witty sally-only TO ME,
whose ears were perhaps unduly crit
ical, the laughter sounded forced and
unnatural, sometimes almost historical
Mile. de Launay appeared to be every
where al once and left smiles behind
her wherever she went Truly, a won
derful woman, but to me her activity
seemed feverish. The duchess. as
usual, held her court at the farther end
was SO dense that l d~eSpaired OF get
ting TO her. n paused TO look about
me. saw that all OF her political sat-
elites were present Polignac was de-
claiming his latest satire to another,
Malesieu was explaining the meaning
OF a Greek phrase 10 q third. There
were many persons present whom !
had never seen before, notably a num-
Der Of gentlemen elegantly dressed but
not in the latest Paris mode, whom I
Immediately set down as provincial.
The duchess and her maid withdrew
before I could get a word with either
Of them, and / Joined the group about
Chaneel. But I found his satire little
to my liking, for It was merely a brutal
TRADE against the regent, and con-
tanned accusations which 1 felt certain
even Chancel himself knew to be un-
true.
AS the moments passed I noticed that
the provincial gentlemen, as well as
the other important psrsonages pres
ent, were approached by a las and
taken one BY one 10 the room into
which Madame III Maine had retired,
and h when they came out again
there was fire in heir eyes and a new
intelligence in their faces. Only once
was there Z break in this stream of
persons entering and leaving the cabi-
net The page appeared TO be seeking
some one whom he could not find.
Have you seen the Able Brigaut
this evening, monsieur" 1 heard him
inquire of & gentleman at my elbow,
and the latter replied in the negative.
He COX this answer back to the duch-
ess, and a monen later reappeared to
conduct othsrs OF those present to that
mysterious door. I was racking my
brain to find an explanation of this
proceeding. when the page approached
me.
Madame du Maine wishes to speak
to you a moment, III de Brancas," he
said, and without waiting for a reply,
he led the way to the door through
which I had already seen SO many en-
ter. ! followed him, and in a moment
the door closed behind me The OUCH
GSS ana Mile &c Iallay were sitting at
a large table Uttered with papers.
"Ah, VI de Braneas." cried the for
mer as I entered, and I saw that her
eyes were bright and her face flushed
with excitement. at IS, as you see. a
gathering of the clans. Tonight we are
all assembled, each to learn his part In
the drama we are about to play. You
have perhaps noticed that there are
many strangers present."
Il have indeed noticed 1t. madame
/ answered.
AND you have bee wondering who
they are, have you not? Well. I will
tell you NJ de Brancas. They are rep
resentatiyes of half the noble houses
| of Brittany, .syho have cone TO give me
| personal assurance of their support.
| Tonight, monsieur, the threads are all
in my hands and in five days PhiIfp
d'Orieans viii no longer bs regent of
France"
The lines of care had faded from her
| face and left her 10 ear ounge Her
companion had caught her enthusiasm,
| and her eyes were sparkling in synpa-
thy with those OF the duchess.
81 rejoice to learn that everything
goes SO we'll" / said. and I felt my heart
warming for these two women who
had accomplished 81 much. Has mad-
anne any commands FOR me? l should
be most happy to take a part in the
drama, even though it be a small one.'
TITS not q command, but a request ;
she answered, quickly. You can be OF
great service to me IL you will, II. de
Brancas. The arrest OF Richelieu takes
a cog out of the wheel, and In order
that the machine may move with per-
feet certainty and smootaness l wish
you to replace that cog. In a word
monsieur. what I desire Is a persona
representative 1T Bayonne, a mar
whom / can trust and in whose courage
ave faith You are that man. III. de
Brancas"I bowed at the compliment
and ask you to represent me at
Bayonne.'
Il viii go with the greatest pleasure
madame" I answered., only wifi the
good people of Bayonne have In me ii
the same faith which you have?.
You will AXE papers with you which
will inspire them with fear. monsieur
she answered. and ] believe that aftel
they have known you a few days ever
the papers Will be unnecessary. The
will be handed to you presently. for
wish you to set out tonight. Il i,
O'Clock a herse viii be waiting for yo,
Just without the little gate at the BAG,
of the Tuilerfes. which you alread,
4 know, as you passed through 1t tn,
otker day with Mile. de Laufiay. Her