Middletown transcript., 1912-09-07
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mem, the cOmmanQanLD ner IaCner, the
still, white figure at one side-not far
awayl
81 think" the Governor spoke soft
ly, you will do that, anyway"
Exactly, your ExcellencyI It hap
pened in this wise," and not without
evidence Of constraint and hesitation,
the officer slowly related the story of
the disturbance on the platform; the
taking into custody Of the rogues and
knaves, and my lady's interest in the
vagabond clown whose play had oc-
casioned the riot.
Because it was seditious, designed
to set authority at naught?" interrupt
ed the listener, grimly eyeing for an
instant the motionless form of the
mountebank.
"On the contrary, your Excellencyl"
quickly. "Her Ladyship assured me it
was the loyal and faithful sentiments
Of the play that caused the unruly
rascallions to make trouble, and that
the clown deserved no punishment be-
cause he had intended no mischief"
'Her Ladyship?" The Governors
brows went suddenly up. "How," he
asked at length in voice yet softer,
Should her Ladyship have known
about the loyal and faithful senti-
ments' Of piece given in the town,
before a crowd Of brawlers?"
Because I was a spectator" said
his daughter, red spot now on her
cheek; changing lights in her eyes.
"A spectator" repeated, in mild
surprise, the Governor.
Il will explain-after!" she added
In tones, low, constrained.
"Hum!" His Excellency's glance
swept to the commandant.
"Her Ladyship was so good" mur.
INJURED the latter in some embarrass-
ment and yet feeling obliged to speak,
with that bright insistent gaze Of the
high official Of the Mount fastened
upon him, "as to inform me that, de-
string to ming1e with the people, and,
knowing 1t might not~be~ expedient
to do so-in her. own proper charac-
teE-her Ladyship saw fit to assume
"a humber costume-that Of Norman
peasant maid"
From the Governors lips fell an
ejaculation; he seemed about to speak
sternly, but the words failed on his
lips; instead, Continued" he said
curtly.
THAT, believe, is all, your Excel
lency, except that her ladyship ex.
pressed the desire the stupid fellow
be set at liberty on the morrow, as
not worth the keeping-and-"
The mountebank started, as expeet-
ing now the Lady Elise to speak; to |
denounce him, perhaps; but it was his
,Excellency who interrupted.
"You were going to do so? To set |
him at liberty?"
Il, your Excellency? The auberge
des voleurs is so full Of the scum of
the sands, there is hardly room for
them to squirm; but if your Excellency
wishes all these paltry ragamuflns
and beggars brought before you"
"Well, WE'LL" The Governor looked
down; his hand crushed impatiently
the paper he held. Here is much ado
about nothing! Have you," to his
daughter, "aught to add?"
She lifted her head. Standing in a
pose, apparently regardless of
what was taking place, the mounte-
bank, at the Governors question, shot
a quick glance from him to her. AL
though but an instant his look met my
lady's, In that brief interval she read
all that was lost on the other two; the
sudden, desperate purpose, the indu-
bitable intention, his warning glance
At the same time she no.
uced, or fancied she did, the hand
thrust into his breast, as If grasping
some weapon concealed there, drew
out little, while simultaneously, lend
Ing emphasis to the fact, he moved a
shade nearer the Governor, her ia
ther!
Nothing" said the girl hastily;
"nothing!"
Then" his Excellency waved a
thin, aristocratic hand, take him
away!" -'--
"And your-her Iadyship's instruc.
1ons?" murmured the commandant.
Are to be obeyed, Of course!" an
'Wered the Governor, complacentlv
his letter.
You hear, fool?" said in low voice
he commandant, as he approached
he clown. Thank his ExceIIencvI
Don't you know enough? Clod! Dolt!"
But the man made at first no effort
o obey; immovable as statue
eemed not to see the speaker and
nee more, the officer half whispered
is injunction.
'Eh?" the Governor turned
Il thank your Excellency! Your Ex.
cheney is most kind" said the
lountebank in loud, emphatic tone
And her ladyship?" prompted the
ficer.
The clown looked at the girl; her
reath came fast through her parted
ps.
Speak, fool! To her ladyship you
lso owe much"
Much" repeated the clown, a
park in the dull gaze still fastened
pom her.
rs that all you can say?"
Take him away!" My lady spoke
lmost wildly.
Yes; take him away!" With a
gesture his Excellency put
end to the matter. "Am 1 to be in.
'rrupted in important affairs by
very miserable farceur, or buffoon,
ou pick up on the beach? To the
evil with the fellow!"
When the door had closed on the
and the commandapt, he
lrned to his daughter. "A madcap
1ck!" Frowningly his Excellency
'garded her. ITO have gone into the
'Wn and mingled with the rabble!
Ut, shaking his head and then suf-
ring that expression Of disapproval
relax into severity, SAY no more
bout it! Here" indicating the letter,
something Of greater moment. to
attended to and answered."
CTo be continued.)
lET.AWARE COITFCF