Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-02-12
TwENTY-sEvENTH 1NsTALLMENT

It was the fool who showed Rhyn-
sault how to swim these difficult waters
by which he was in danger of being
submerged. Into the FOOLS ear Rhyn-
sault poured the tale of the events in
the ducal closet.
What reparation can offer?"
1.-THE natural PREPARATION: That which
is accounted the reparation proper in
such cases. You made the lady a
widow. Make her wife again and the
harm will be undone."
do you mock me? Can bring her
husband back to life?'
1T isn't necessary to go to so much
trouble. Provide her with another one :"
Where shall 1 find him?" cried the
eXasperated Rhynsault.
The fool looked at him, grinning
silently awhile. Then he sighed and
shook his head.
Lord! How your wits need stirring!
You'll have to execute yourself, Of
course"
Marry her, MYSELF" Rhynsault was
round-eyed at that. What if she re-
fuses to marry me, as well she maya"
THAT is her affair and responsibility
Yours ends with the offer of reparation
If she declines it, shall the duke blame
you for that?'
by Heaven, believe you are right"
Rhynsault laughed. And, oddly
enough, so did the duke when Rhyn-
sault put the proposal to him that eve
ming. His ducal rage had passed like
a Summer storm. He had been well
pleased with his administration Of
justice in the course of the morning
But Count Anthony, who was present,
did not laugh at all. He could not be-
heve the proposal.
You will marry her, do you say?" he
asked incredulously.
Its a great DEAL" said Rhynsault,
entirely mistaking the incredulity, land
it's the best that can offer. I offer it
ungrudgingly. 1t is a proper repara-
ton; indeed, the very fullest reparation
for such wrong as I may have done
her"
He looked at the Duke for the answer,
and the duke returned his glance, the
laugh still lingering on his countenance.
at is, as he says, the best that he
can offer and it would generally be con-
sidered a reparation in full. We must
be satisfied; and, indeed, I think it
should content the lady,"
Count Anthony was in despair. He
perceived clearly enough that the duke
was considering only the value to him
self Of this Lorrainer and desired to be
rid Of the whole affair. He cared
nothing for this woman'S wrongs: cared
nothing that among the traitors hanged
In Walcheren one might have been in
nOcent.
Suddenly, however, Count Anthony
saw something else; he saw where the
duke was in a cleft stick by virtue OF
the ducal word he had pledged that
morning in his anger-that reparation
should be made. If Johanna refused,
as refuse she would then the reparation
that Rhynsault offered could not be
made effective. Count Anthony said
80 and the duke answered him:
IF she refuses, the matter is at end"
Not So" Count Anthony ventured to
retort. You pledged your word that
she should have reparation. In justice
it follows that it must be such repara-
ton as she will accept"
The duke was annoyed because he
perceived the soundness of the argyll
ment and at the same time perceived
that she might have unansWerable rea-
sons for refusing reparation in this
form. Then he took his resolve. Look
now, Tor the moment We have gone far
enough. It is not necessary to waste
time In pursuing the matter further
upon pure assumption. Adequate rep
aration Is offered-adequate in my
eyes, as it must be In the eyes of all the
world, however the woman may regard
it. will indite my Judgment thus. It
shall be attached to the memorial, and
so returned to her. II she accounts Il
inadequate. or unsuitable, let her name
her alternative and we will consider
further. Meanwhile, I should advise
her to be satisfied. Rhynsault, at least,
has done his part"
A ducal equerry drew up that evening
at the Lion of Brabant to deliver to
Mistress Johanna her memorial, now
bearing the ducal seal on the silk that
bound it, informing her that the dukes
judgment was attached.
Trembling with eagerness, she broke
the seal and when she had read the
Judgment she was on fire from head to
foot.
She found pen and ink and in the
space below the dukes seal and sigma
tl1re she quickly wrote her defiant re-
pudiation of his Judgment.
When the duke came to read it. his