The Greenville journal. [volume] (Greenville, Ohio) 1850-1918, 1913-10-16

ening gaze. around him, as If makinl
note OF every detail Of his surround
ings. Set with columns of warm
hued marble, relieved with ornate
carvings and designs, the spaciou:
chamber presented an appearance al
once graceful and charming. Mol
were its furnishings at variance with
its architectural elegance; on every
hand soft colors met the eye, in rugs
OF ancient pattern; in tapestries, sub
dued; in the upholstering of Breton
oak. A eliminating note was In the
center OF the room. where great
bunch OF roses opened wide their
petals.
But briefly, however, the clown per-
mitted himself to survey. or study,
these details of refinement and lux
ury; the swift eager interest that
had shone from the dark eyes gave
way to an expression. lack-luster and
stupid; his countenance once more
resumed its blank. stolid aspect. AS
If unconscious OF the anomalous figure
he presented, mechanically had he
seated himself; was gazing down,
when through a doorway, opposite the
one by which the commandant had
left, slender form appeared. Under
the heavy. whitened lids a slight
movement Of the clowns eyes alone
betrayed he was aware OF that new
presence. A moment the girl stood
there, her glance resting on the gro
tesque, bent figure before her: then
with a quizZical lift OF the delicate
brows she entered.
You believe, no doubt, in making
yourself at homer"
Crossing to the table, once more
she stopped; her figure, sheathed In
gown of brocade Of rose, glowed
bright and distinct in contrast 10 the
faint, vari-colored tiDts OF ancient
embroideries on the wall. Above, the
light threw simmer on the deep
FURNISHED gold Of her hair; the sweep
ing lashes yelled the half-disdainful,
half-amused look in hcr brown eyes.
Or, perhaps, you are one Of those
who think the peasants will some day
sit, While the lords and ladies stand?"
Il don't know" he managed to an.
swer, but got up, only to appear more
awkward.
You do not seem to know very
much, indeed" she returned, her tone
changing to one of cold severity. mot
enough, perhaps, to perceive the mis-
chief you may cause! That play of
yours, which l witnessed today"
You! To-day? Your Ladyship
was"
Yes" imperiously, II was there!
And heard and saw the effect it had
on the people; how it stirred all
their baser passions! But you, Of
course, could not know-or care,
thinking only Of the sous!-that, in
stead of teaching a lesson, the piece
would only move them to anger, or
resentment"
'T--your LadyshIp-great lords have
commended the play"
Great lords!" she began, but
stopped; regarded her listener and
SuTuES6u neE
A few moments silence lasted, the |
fellow apparently not knowing what |
to say, or il he was expected to say
anything, while, for her part, the girl |
no longer looked at him. but at the |
flowers, taking one, which she turned |
in her fingers.
Your Ladyship would command |
me"
ITO give the play no mone!"
But" Expostulation shone from !
his look.
"In which event you shall be suf-
fered to go free tomorrow"
But my livelihood! What shall
do, if I am forbidden to earn"
She gave him colder look. II have |
spoken to the Commandant; told him |
what l had seen. and that l did not |
think you intended to make trouble.
Your case will, therefore. not be re-
ported to his Exoellency. Only" with
warning fash, "if you are again |
caught giving the play, you must ex-
pect to receive your deserts"
"Of course! II your Ladysh1p COM
mands!" dejectedly.
II do! But, as an Offset to the cop
pers you might otherwise receive. I
will give you sum of money sufi-
cient to compensate you"
your Ladyship is so generous!" He
made an uncouth gesture of gratitude
and covetousness. May l ask your
Ladyship how much"
How much?" scornfully. But l
suppose"
The words died away; her glance
fell; fingered on the hand he had
extended. Muscular, shapely, it
seemed not adapted to the servile
gesture; was most unlike the hand
of clod or clown. Moreover, 1t was
marked with number of wounds,
half-healed. which caught and held