The Washington herald., 1913-01-12
CHAPTER IV-Continued.


De Richelieu, for his own sake would
be compelled to act in the matter in
such a way that there would be nc
chance of the scandal against the king
ever escaping.
The baroness had used her appeal
for De Lussac only as the opening gam
bit in the desperate and dangerous
game for his life which was. now be-
ginning.
Thank you. Monsieur" said she. 81
knew that in appealing TO you should
not be wrong" Then, seeming to dis
e miss De Lussac from her mind, But,
Monsieur, had another motive for my
long journey tonight" She paused
Yes. Madame?"
Monsieur, | will be frank with you.
That motive was-myself"
"a most charming motive, but one
which cannot, yet, fully under
stand"
II had more truly said self-and
more truly, selfish. Surely, Monsieur,
that is a motive that any politician
can understand? You see i am
frank"
Il hear you say so, Madame, and
you alarm me.
I'm what way"
Why, Madame laughed De Richie
lieu, You are the first woman | have
ever heard admitting the fact of her
sclfIShnesS. 1t does not seem natural"
And 1t seems TO me-" replied the
baroness with a little grimace, that !
am the first human being to whom
Monsieur lie Marechal Duo de Richie
lieu has admitted the fact that he is
capable OF being frightened" She rose
10 her feet Monsieur. | will go, for
at this rate We shall soon have no Sc
cretS to hide from one another. You
are dangerous to me, | am dangerous
10 you. She moved toward the door.
Stay, Madame" cried De Richelieu,
perpleNed and fascinated. feeling that
there was something more personal to
him in the visit of the charming crea-
ture than an attempt TO enlist him in
the cause of De LusSac One mo-
ment"
He had risen with her.
For what" asked she. pausing.
For what: Petite mySterieuse! For
what did you come these FIVE leagues?
Why did Won face the darkness, the
fear OF bandits:''
Ma fol" replied she, her hand upon
the door handle 1t seems to me I
came TO confess that | was selfish. to
make you confess that you were capa-
bic OF fear, and all in the first few
minutes OF our interview. Heavens
Monsieur. as | said a few moments
ago. II our interview were TO last an
hour. At this rate. We should have moth
ing to hide one from the other"
You pcrpleX me-" said the marcchal.
now completely fascinated. but not
knowing how to take her.
She laughed. There YOU arc again. |
Monsieur, More admissions of weak |
ness. Monsieur de Richlicu. who reads !
women as other men read books. Mon !
slcur dc Richclicu. the most astute |
man in France. perpleNcd by an adven-
tureSs -
''Adventurcs> :"
There. again cried The baroness. |
opening the door a> if to escape. An |
other confession, O Monsieur. let me !
go. for if we remain longer together
this interview will I've destructive 10 !
both our seli-rcspects
Dc Richelieu took her firmly by the !
hand. closed the door. and led her back
10 her chair. /
Extraordinary and charming wom-
an" said the old warrior as she let
herself be led like child You are
not now talking to Monsieur de Richie
lieu. but to the marcchal of France.
who is at your commands, and who
you.
Il obey the conQueror OF Mahon."
Then. Madame as a good soldier.
command YOU to speak Why did
You come TO me tonight"
Monsieur. | have forgotten
Forgotten
Il ought to say. ] do not choose
@ remember | would rather forget
Monsieur. have changed my mind
When ! came to YOU tonight | came
m account of poor Monsieur de Lus-
ac. but I admit | had the thought OF
lSking for favor for myself at the
II but royal hands of Monsieur lie Due
lc Richelieu Well. Monsieur. when il
ONES to the point. my courage is not
here TO meet me And | say to my
eli. why should | ask favor of
INC who scarcely knows me- Mon
IcuT. spare my feelings"
Madame spare mine. I burn to be
u service to you. Speak"
w ell. then. Monsieur said she. as
hough suddenly making up her mind,
! would ask YOUR help" :
Against whom" {
Monsieur. am bcsct by cats" I
Cats"
Madame d'Harlancourt hates me" {
Aha"