Forest City press. (Forest City, Potter County, D.T. [S.D.]) 1883-19??, 1912-04-18
WITH 4 Story q the
TIIE n Conspiracy by
i lie ~ Burton Egbert +
Copyright by --J. b. 1ppncot Company Stevenson
J. B. Lippincott compan,

ana we must pay some to
our toilettes. o are to consider mine
would be too little to show my graft
tude."
I thanked him, but declined his offer.
1 was resolved to wear 10 borrowed
plumage, but to go as plain Jean de
| Brancas. Richelieu looked at me with
q smile rs he Joined me in the hall
a smile of understanding-but he said
nothing. We entered the carriage
which was waiting and were driven
rapidly across the Seine. l glanced at
him anxiously. He appeared more COM
posed than 1.
There was a blockade of vehicles in
the Rue st. Honore n We could pro-
coed but slowly. Richelieu seemed
rather to court than to shun observa-
ton and nodded gayly to all whom
he knew. But every journey must have
an end and at last we drew up before
crossed the court, and mounted the
steps together. The chapel was already
crowded with a gay company n they
seemed to turn their heads with one
accord and look at us as we entered.
Some whisper had got abroad Of Richie
lieu's love for the princess and every
one was curious to see how he would
endure the ordeal. My hear. leaped as
1 saw him advancing with head erect
and eyes sparkling, bowling gayly to
right and left. 1t was as l would have
a brave man go to the block. He tool
his station at the side OF Mile. de Char
olafs. the regents sister. in the front
rank OF the spectators, and began IL
lively conversation with her. 1 a not
his confidence in my power to conceal
my feelings. and chose a less conspicu-
Gus position somewhat in the rear.
We had not long to wait. A sud-
den silence fell pom the crowd, and
before the altar appeared the priest,
vested in surplice and white stole. AT
either side OF him came the acolytes
and choir boys. and even as they took
their places the bridal procession en-
tered. l who was standing behind Rich
elieu saw the nervous energy with which
he gripped his sword, but his lips still
smiled even when the bride, conducted
by the regent, passed in her wedding
fnery. gazed at her with bated
breath. Her face was white as her
wedding gown and her eyes were lus-
trous and dark and full of high pul.-
pose. l had never seen her SO beauti-
full.
My eyes turned from her to the lady
following. n with a start l recognized
Louise. She. too, was pale, and l saw
that her lips were trembling. but she
went bravely on, looking neither to the
right o to the left. The crowd of
courtiers mo powdered ladies' closed in
behind her and 1 dimly remember hear
my oCHiS III SOY IldI lue ceremony
was to be the simplest possible, thai the
bride had so ordered it.
The murmur of the crowd died away
to a whisper, to profound silence, broken
only by the voice of the priest. 1 felt
my head whirling and my hand trem-
voice of the princess, calm, clear, firm
and my eyes were wet with tears. l
dared not glance in Richelieu's direc-
ton. I feared that even yet he might
attempt to drag hep from the altar.
Above the beating OF my heart arose
the voice of the priest
Ego conjungO vos in matrimonium.
In nomine PATHS, ct Filii, ct Spiritus
Sanctu."
And it was done. 1 know not what
had expected bolt from heaven, per-
haps-some warning OF divine displeas-
ure-but in my heart ! had not until
this moment believed that this marriage
was to be. What followed do not
know. heard a confused sound OF
chanting far in the distance; the odor
OF incense was in my nostrils. A move
ment in the crowd jostled me rudely
n as the people fell back to right
n left l saw again the victim of
this sacrifice, her eyes luminous. her
face more livid, but her head no less
erect, her step no less firm. At her
side was a dark and swarthy man
whom I had never seen before. but
whom I knew to be the representative
of the Due de Modena, for the mar
riage had been by proxy. They passed
down the aisle and out Of sight.
/! stood as a man dazed. 1 could not
believe thai what l had witnessed had
really happened. 1t seemed that l must
be dreaming. A touch on the arm
aroused me n I turned to find Richie
lieu at my side.
Come. my friend" he said, smiling
sadly. II. too. la just received an or
DER from the regent. It is to join my
regiment at Bayonne without delay. A
guard OF horse awaits me at the door"
And you will go?" l asked.
Yes" he answered. II sha be glad
to get away from Paris for a time.
There is nothing but sad memories here
Tor me. o are to AXE my house for
your home" he continued. earnestly.
Perhaps. some time, you may even
care to Join me at Bayonne. Good
by, my friend" and as though unable
to say more. he pressed my hand and
hurried towards the door
gazed after him until he had disap-
peared in the crowd, and I wondered
sadly what l should do lone in Paris.
Without Richelieu and without Louise
my life would indeed be aimless and
void OF interest. ! watched the crowd
as 1t gradually dispersed. More than
rection. but no one spoke to me. and
the chapel soon became deserted.
voice at my side startled me.
Monsieur has an appointment with
the regent. has he not?" asked the
voice, and | turned and saw one OF the
ushers OF the palace.
Yes: I q forgot it," l answered. re-
memDer1n IN a the order
had received ere I was out OF bed.
Il Will conduct monsieur to the aud
ience-chamber," he said. and at a eeg-
ture OF assent he led the way.
"I1n VIM Gnnvny vr,HAo AT0lA IL vY-v-s