Pierre weekly free press. (Pierre, S.D.) 1889-19??, 1913-04-03
CHAPTER 1.
THE FIFTEENTH LOUIS.

genius or ManSard mixed in the plans.
the bricks and the very mortar of his
work.
The carriage of the minister of po-
lice, having crossed the courtyard
where other carriages were standing
In waiting, stopped at the main en-
trance of the palace. and Monsieur de
Sartines descended
down the steps ana stood as the vehicle
drew up, and already the man at the
| swing doors had passed the words
across his shoulder to the usher at his
desk, The carriage of Monsieur de
Sartines."
The carriages of the notabilities of
France. of Monsieur de Coigny, the
Due de Richelieu, the DUO de Choiseul
and host of others were known indi-
vldually and almost ny the sound of
their wheels to the doorkeepers of Yer
sahles, and none better than that of
the minister of police, who was now
I ascending the steps walking heavily
magnificent figure of man in
/ coat of brocaded silk, with ruffles of
the finest Mechlin lace, bearing in his
hand clouded cane, and at his side
that dress sword, an heirloom of the
| family of the Comics de sartines, in
herited from the illustrious Marechal
d 'Ancre.
Tire glass doors opening before him,
as though pushed aside by his reflec-
| ton on their polished surfaces. Mon
sieur de Sartines passed into the warm
and flower scented vestibule where the
lamps had just been lighted and where
Joaquin, the usher on duty, advanced
to receive the hat 'and cane of the min
lister.
From beyond the, Stairway of the
Ambassadors, somewhere in the dis,
lance, faint. like the diffused murmur
! of bees. same the sound of voices. a
multitude of voices subdued and low
pitched, nilnbus of sound from the
Hall of Mirrors. where the courtiers in
attendance We're assembled, chatting,
criticising the life of the day. drawn
together by no special occasion, or rea-
son, save that which makes insects
huddle toward light and warmth.
There was no necessity for Monsieur
de Sartines to inquire whether the king
We're present in his palace: the voices
from the Hall of Mirrors told him
He was advancing up the great stair
case when from the corridor above
descending, Monsieur lie Marechal Due
de Richelieu rnadesS his appearance
coming rapidly, seeming elated and we'll
pleased with himself, and followed by
lackey of the palace bearing a dis
patch box.
marvellous figure was the Due de
Rlchelieu, quite youthful still. despite
his "a years, small in stature, yet some
how great man with the past of {,
conqueror and the present appea ranve
at distance-of a youthful flop.
AT CHS moment the hero of Mahon
was az the zenith of his worldly hopes,
Tor the De Choiseul ministry, destined
to fall on the following Christmas eve
was crumbling. and the De Richelieu
ministry-never to materialize-was in
the air.
"Ah, De sartines," said the due,
paustng in his passage toward the
door, and laying finger on the bro
caded arm of the new conner, You
have come to pay your respects to his
majesty. You will find him very we'll.
have just left him. and he is ex
pecting you"
Expecting me. monsieur?" replied
De sartines. Then his majesty must
have been suddenly gifted with the
power of second sight"
Ma fol. who can tell? only know
he said to me- I feel in such good
spirits something surely is going to
happen; either some pamphleteer is
printing a new pamphlet against me,
or Monsieur de Sartines is coming to
bore me with a PORTFOLIO
De Sartines bowed gravely. "Happi-
~ FOR you, monsieur. his ma jesty said
to me at our last meeting, Whatever
happens, | shall never bore Monsieur
de Rfchelieu in that way
De Richelieu, almost assured. and all
ready feeling the portfolio of the Due
de Choiseul under his arm, laughed
and passed on. while De Sartines took
a step upward, only to be stopped
again, this time by figure just emerg-
ing from the corridor
1t was Monsieur de Joyeuse. a Young
gentleman who had squandered a
fortune and was now squandering the
fortune of his Wife, woman of So.
eight whom he had married-openly
confessing the factor her money.
He was bearing a small bunch of
violets. Why it is Monsieur de Sar-
tines. said De Joyeuse. How OPP
perfume! You have come just in time
to save the remains Of your reputation,
which they are killing in the Hall Of
Mirrors
you are happier in that respect than
And how?"
KILL
e He bowed. passed on, and moment
later found himself in the throng
Ecrowding the great salon.
The lamps were lighted. but through
the long windows, as yet uncurtained,
the park. the lakes and the fountains of
Versailles showed, q dim and poetic
picture in the chiaroscnro of evening.
The courtiers were formed in little
groups chatting together laughing and,
discussing trifles as though they had
been matters Of state. which. indeed,
In that epoch they often were. Near
the doorway by which De Sartines had
entered, the COmte d'Harlancourt, q tall
man witha severe and villainous look
ing face-of whom It was said that. at
his instigation. his wife had poisoned
her first husband had buttonholed
the young Comte de Coigny and was
holding himsin talk, while Monsieur de
Steniis and another gentleman stood
hv liQfon1nQ al nd 1a1,Ohfnpr
s All, De Sartines," cried this noble
man. releasing De Coigny and turning
to the newcomer, what q delightful
surprise to; find you at Versailles! And
how ID Justice ~
Very well. indeed. monsieur, !" re-
piled the minister. with q freezing
smile; she was even asking after YOU
this morning. = He passed on, still
making his. way through the crowd,
( spcaking . word to this gentleman.
nodding 70 that He had not made 20