Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-02-09
rWENTY-FoURTH INsrALLMENT.

A the audiences of Justice held
~ by the duke in Brussels during
~ those four weeks that he spent
4 a there, a lady attracted the gen.
eral notice by the beauty of
countenance on which dignity, candor,
purity and sorrow were blended into
a countenance which man or wom-
an would pass without a second
glance. She was richly dressed in black
and she was Invariably attended by
two grooms and a waiting-woman,
which proclaimed her a person of con-
sequence. ..... -..,,...
Her daily presence provoked inquiries,
and these ELECTED that she was from
Zealand. the daughter of a wealthy
merchant Of Flushing and the widow
of another wealthy merchant Of Middel-
burg, one Philip 'DanveIt, who had
been executed for sedition This. If
it lessened the desire to make her
acquaintance, Quickened the curiosity
as to the. purpose of her presence in
such a place. What Justice could be
sought or hoped for from the duke by
the widow Of convicted and executed
traitor?
It was observed. or else rumored, that
she courted the ushers in vain. to obtain
her a hearing from the duke. Having
failed with these, and, as time was
slipping away and the last audience
before the dukes departure fast ap-
preaching. she transferred her atten-
tons to the captain of the archers of
the guard, who was invariably in
attendance upon the duke on these
occasions.
Because the captain of the archers,
the Sire de Chavaigny was young and
because she was very beautiful, she
found at his hands a consideration
deeper than that which she had re-
ceived from the ushers.
Can you not help me, Sir?" she
begged him.
mean?" the young captain asked her,
much as he might have asked did she
mean him to help her to heaven.
That is what I mean" she said.
1t is what / am considering
madam. There is, one possible chan
mel through which an audience might
be procured for you"
"Ah, yes2" She was suddenly. all
eagerness. -
Have you a memorial of your
plaint?" ....
He need scarcely have asked. for the
sheaf of parchmentS, folded, tied with
silk and sealed, bulked in her left hand.
She held it up.
will you intrust it to me, madam?
There is one who might prevail upon
the duke to. read it-tl1at is my lord
aImoner, the Cardinal of Ghent. who
is confessor to his highneSs"
She thanked him warmly, enjoined
upon him great care of her memorial
and, leaving it in his hands, turned to
depart, and found herself face to face
with Kuoni Won Stocken. Three days
ago he had arrived in Brussels in the
train Of the Sire Claude de Rhynsault,
who had come in answer to that sum-
mons from the duke. And Rhynsault
the Fool prowled whittier he listed
God save you, Mistress Danvelt," he
greeted her.
She did not answer him. The pallor
OF her face had deepened and her
breath was quickened. There was fear
in her glance and some horror, too.
Abruptly ignoring his salutation. she
passed out to the vestibule, where her
servants waited.
The Fool considered the young cap
tain. who stood little bemused.
"A lovely woman. sir" said he dryly.
Lovely as a saint from heaven"
The Fool raised his eyebrows. When
did you last see a saint from heaven?"
quoth he. Then, while the captain
sought an answer, he relieved him of
his need. "Oh, to be sure! Your I'M
N4c ID Jl1C NdI01Ildl VI GAlCnJ. 4UdL
gives you an insight into celestial mat
ters'
You are ribald." the captain re-
proved him, frowning.
That's my trade should not be
Fool else" He sided nearer THAT
sweet lady. now. moves my compassion.
She has been deeply wronged."
''Wronged!" The captain was outraged
at the thought.
When you are a woman and as
beautiful as a saint from heaven, IT'S
very difficult not to be-"
The captain gripped him by the
shoulder What do you know of her
wrongs? Can you speak to them?"
IT could. nephew of a cardinal.
Should your sanity uncle desire to hear
me in private, I might have a useful
word to say"
He disengaged his shoulder from that
heavy hand and was gone. He chuc-
killed. as he went, in anticipation Of I'M