Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1912-06-04
CHAPTER XIX.
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Tho Mountebank and the Governor.
In his hand the Governor held a
paper: his usually austere face wore
slightly propitiatory expression,
while the eyes he turned upon her,
as slowly he entered the room, sug-
gested respite Of differences. Paus-
ing, he toyed with the missive, turn
ing 1t around and around in his fin
gers, az If something in his thoughts
were revolving with 1t. Had he been
more watchful OF her, less bent on
some matter uppermost In bis mind.
he could not have failed to mark the
pallor of his face, or the agitation
written there. AS it was. his glance
swept without studying.
81 hoped to find you here" he be-
gan complaoently; hoped that you
had not yet retired"
She made some faint response. but
her voice, despite herself, wavered.
Whereupon his look sharpened; then
almost Immediately relepseG: con-
straint on her part could easily. be
accounted for; not many hours had
elapsed since their last interview.
eyes," he continued, II have here to
consider" indicating paper be held.
"a rather important matter" He wait
ed moment before adding: "a mat
ter that concerns-you!"
THAT concerns met" Her hands
tightened
"Yes"
"Since 1t Is important" she said
hastily, would 1t not-shall We not
leave it until tomorrow? II am
rather tired tonight, and"
"What?" he returned in the same
unrufIled tone. Would you postpone
considering the command of the
King!"
Command" she repeatedly nervous
~. "Of the King?"
"Or request" which is the same"
But" she began. and stopped;
held by sound. as Of some one NOV
ing, near the window.
''Shall read it. or"
She had started to look behind herr
but abruptly caught herself, and
seemed about to frame some irrele-
want response, when his voice went
on: "The King desires to change the
date set for your marriage with his
kinsman. the Marquis de Beauvilliers."
"Change?' she echoed.
Eyes; to hasten it." If the Cover
nor had expected from her hostility,
or perverseness. he was agreeably
disappointed; the girl evinced neither
pleasure nor disapproval; only stood
In the same attitude Of expectancy,
with head half turned.
Ellis Majestys reasons for this
step"
Cant we-can't we, at least, post
pone considering them?"
Again no regarded her more closely.
-'What better time than the present"
"But don't want"
"Elise!" A slight frown appeared
on his brow. His Majesty" once
more looking at the paper, hints at
an important political appointment he
desires to confer on the Marquis de
Beauvtlliers which would take him
abroad; but whether as ambassador,
or as governor in this colonies, his
Majesty docs not disclose. Obviously,
however, the bestowing OF the honor
high one, no doubt!-depends on
his early marriage, and a wife to
grace the position. The letter."
weighing 1t. IFS a tentative one, the
courteous precursor Of fuller COM
munication when he has learned ouF-
.your-pleasure."
She did not at once express It;
indeed, at the moment, seemed scarce
ly to have comprehended; her glance,
which had swept furtively behind
when he was studying the document,
returned more uneasily to his, but not
before he had caught the backward
look
"Well7" he said with a touch OF as
perity. "Well?" he repeated, when
his gaze. following the direction hers
had taken. paused.
Although we'll lighted In the center
by great Venetian candelabrup, the
Tar ends Of the spacious hall lay
somewhat in obscuritys notably the
space adorned with tropical plants
and a Efe-size bronze before the en-
trance to the balcony. 1t was on this
dim recess the Governor permitted his
eve to rest, at first casually; then
with sudden appearance Of interest.
"Eh?" he muttered. and before my
lady could prevent him. II she had
been mindful 80 to do. walked quickly
forward; but as he advanced, white
figure stepped boldly out from behind
that partial screen. With sharp e2-
clamation, which found startled
echo from the girl, the Governor
stopped; stepped back as far as the
table
What mummery Is this?" His lips
shaped the words uncertainty; his
hand, reaching out with that first
startled instinct OF danger, touched
the bell.