Evening star., 1921-05-01
The Honor of His Roof
By Edmond Haraucourt.

!, tleman, who was barely twenty-five
years old WREN he fought the battle
of Marignan. and who covered him
self there with laurels'-
Il know his bravery" interrupted
the duke, las well as his military tai
ents. and l know also that his king
Francis the 1st, has rewarded him
with one of the highest of titles"
Unfortunately. or. rather, fortu-
nately for us. bitter quarrel arose
between tfe queen mother, who 10
very naughty, as you know. and this
proud gentleman, jealous of his honor
objectionable words were spoken
The Emperor Charles heard of it and
subtle politician S he is, he at ones
saw the advantage which might be
got out of this French wrangle.
am not sure whether he made some
overtures to the constable or whether
the latter acted on his own initiative
But the fact is that this great war
rior, on whom our enemies founded
so many hopes. presented himself be-
fore the Emperor Charles and Offered
our sovereign his sword and his tai
ents.''
"AgainSt-against"-
The duke rad given start as h'
uttered this single word. He didni
finish the sentence. He tightened hls
lips as if to imprison the phrases
which were about to burst forth, an
kept lOOhlHB SlI I6ht ohSoN-
The envoy continued:
Mon Dieu yes, against his kin
and his country. 1t is matter fo
his own conscience if he thinks TIL:
the rights of his wounded honor con-
ahead Of his other duties"
1T is a matter of conscience.
deed"
ne has decided We shall pro:
What do you say about it?'
Nothing"
THE duke was determined to NAL
L no answer whatever he though
The count, who had a keen ey
steaIthily observed the crimson pour
point which rose and fell on his host
breast as if some violent indignatio
possessed him. But the envoy cour
teously feigned not to see this, an
continued:
His majesty properly appreciate
the valuable aid which the consta bles
In his gratitude to God, who sends u
this good fortune. he intends to dc
honor to this gift from heaven. Ir
order that the illustrious captain may
better contrast the affronts which the
Louvre has put upon him and the
favors which the court of Spain has
in reserve for him. the Emperor
Charles has decided that this volun-
teer in his service shall be treated as
a prince of the blood: that he shall
live near him and that he shall be
lodged in the most superb residence
in Toledo
The duke didn't even clear his
throat. He saw the blow coming. He
waited impassively. But his dark face
grew pale.
IN consequence his majesty, who
loves you. has sent me to invite you
to entertain worthily the glorious
guest he has chosen for you"
Don Diego Lopez Pacheco straight
ened up and answered:
His majesty is at home in this
house. as he is in the house OF every
Spaniard. My property is his property
and he may dispose of it according to
his fantasy. The guest Of our august
master will find my residence ready
for his use and my servants at his
orders"
He accompanied to the door the
gravely saluted him. But as soon as
he was alone he had a horse saddled,
enjoined his servitors to obey their
new master and rode away.
AS long as the traitor lived there
no one saw Don Diego again in To-
ledo. But when the constable depart
ed for Germany in the emperor's suite
the duke reappeared.
He brought with him three wagons
filled with dried vines, pine and resin.
which he piled in the halls. He for.
bade any one u carry out the treas
ures collected under his roof When
all the servants were outside he said:
Nothing could ever purify a house
In which man has lived infamous
enough to go over to the enemy and
serve against his country"
Then. with his own hand. Don Dieeo
Lopez Pacheco set fire to his palasA