Evening star., 1924-04-28
continued from Yesterdays starr
CHAPTER XIV.
His Grace in Counsel.

Mr.. Christopher Battiscomb. that
mild-mannered Dorchester gentleman,
who, like Wade, was by vocation a
lawyer, was ushered into the dukes
presence. He was dressed in black,
and, like Ferguson, was almost smoth-
cred in great periwig, which he may
nave adopted for purposes Of disguise
rather than adornment. Certainly he
had none of that air of the soldier
Of fortune which distinguished his
brother of the robe. He advanced,
hat in hand, toward the table, greet
ing the company about 1t, and Will
dlng observed that he wore silk stock
lngS and shoes, upon which there
rested not q Speck of dust. MIR. Bat
uscomb was plainly man who loved
ms ease, since on such u day he had
travelled to Lyme in coach The
lawyer bent low to kiss the dukes
hand, and scarce was that formal
homage paid than questions poured
upon him from Grey, from Fletcher
and from Ferguson.
Gentlemen, gentlemen" the duke
entreated them, smiling; and refflem-
bering their manners they fell silent.
As Wilding afterward told Trench
ard, they reminded him of a parcel
OF saucy lackeys who take liberties
with an upstart master for whom
they are wanting in respect.
am glad to see you, Battiscomb,'
said Monmouth, when quiet was re-
stored, 'and l trust l behold in you
a bearer of good tidIngS."
The lawyers full face was usually
pale; tonight it was. in addition, SOL
emn, and the smile that haunted his
lips was courtesy that expressed
neither mirth nor satisfaction. He
cleared his throat, as if nervous. He
avoided the dukes question as to the
quality of the news he brought by an
swering that he had made all haste
to come to Lyme upon hearing of his
grace's landing. He was surprised,
he said; as we'll he might be, for the
arrangement was that having done
his work he was to return to Holland
and report to Monmouth upon the
feeling of the gentry.
But your news, Batdscomb," the
duke insisted.
Aye" put in Grey. ain heavens
name, let us hear that"
Again there was the little nervous
cough from Battiscomb. 81 have
scarce had time to complete my round
of visits" he temporized. Your grace
has taken us SO by surprise. IL
+, was with Sir Walter Young at Coly-
ton when the news OF your landing
came some few hours ago" His voice
faltered and seemed to die away.
'Weu?" cried the duke. His brows
were drawn together. Already he re
allied that Battiscomb's tidings We're
not good, else would he be hesitating
less in uttering them. rs Sir Walter
with you. at leaStP"
II grieve to say that he is not"
"Not?" It was Grey who spoke,
and he followed the ejaculation by an
oath. why not?"
He is following, no Goubt?" sug-
gested Fletcher.
we may hope, sirs." answered Bat
tiscomb "trat in a few days-when
he shall have seen the zeal of the
countryside--he will be cured of his
present lukewarmneSs. Thus, dis
creetly, did the man of the law break
ths bad news he bore.
Monmouth sank back into his chair
like one who has lost some Of his
strength. ,".Lukewartnness?' he re-
peated DULY. sir Walter Young
lukewarmi'
Even so, your grace-alas." and
Battiscomb sighed audibly.
FerGuson's voice doomed forth again
to startle them. The OK knoweth his
owner he cried, the ass his masters 8
crib: but Israel doth not know, my
people doth not consider"
Grey pushed the bottle contemptu-
ously across the table to the parson.
Drink man, and get sense" said he,
and turned aside to question BATHS
comb touching others of the neigh
borhood upon whom they had de-
pended.
What of Sir Francis RelIes?" he
inquired.
Battiscomb answered the question,
Deeper grew Monmouth's frOwn; his
fingers drummed the table abSently.
Fletcher poured himself wine, his
face inScrutable. Grey threw one leg
over the other, and in a voice that
Addressing himself to the duke.