The Waterbury Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1917-1946, 1935-07-11
By GLENN REILLY


From his seat at the table in the
gayly striped field tent lie Sieur
de Granvais watched through the
aperture of the ten flap, the lei
surely, foppish approach of his
commander, M. lie Due de Gise. A
tiny frown creased the fine brow
and as de Gise entered, de Gran
vais put aside the ng-feathered
| quill pen and arose.
His bow, soldierly short and stiff,
was returned by the elegantly at
tired de Gise in lanquid, modish-
ly-affected fashion, left hand at
rest delicately upon the hilt of his
crested dress sword, the right abb
systematically caressing the lacy
ruffles at his throat.
"You are busy, fear, Sieur de
Granvais," he apologized, waving
his hand airily at the writing upon
the table. Doubtless last-minute
plans for the attack upon CASTLE
Tarnay?"
No, monsieur, merely personal
message I have just finished" De
Granvais picked up the letter, care
fully sanded 1t and thrust it into
portfolio. IT have, I'll admit, GER
tain computations about the at
tack, after a siege of a month and
one-half we should be victorious
beyond doubt! But after all,
monsieur, waging war upon wo-
man and especially Ysobel Waring,
is a matter in no wise enjoy!"
Tut! You are remembering
that in better days." de Gise
smiled, "the fair Ysobel was, what
shall I say, fruit we each desired
to pluck? And that the unfortu-
nate taking-off of Sir Alfred re-
Gently has left his daughter to
carry on in his placer" De Gran
vais shrugged noncommittally.
ut is true that in war the lighter
passions are overruled. Yet I
would to God that it were anyone
else!" He motioned to the guard
outside the tent and taking the
letter from the portfolio, folded It
and babe him find a m essenger. De
Gise' stroked his small moustache
thoughtfully.
"And I, dear sir, am forced to
the opposite extreme of feeling
for with the fall Of Castle Tarnay,
am certain that the attentions of
Lady Ysobel will compensate for
the hardships have endured in
the past two months, living in a
camp, far from the comforts of
court"
Plucking belaced handkerchief
from his sleeve, de Gise waved 1t
in a gesture of farewell, and hold
ing 1t to his nostrils, left the tent.
De Granvais, watching his de-
parture, seated himself again at the
table to hold his head in both
hands.
Drawing from the front Of his
black velvet doublet locket, he
opened it and looked with stricken
eyes at the painted miniature it
contained. HAD not chosen to
follow the fortunes of mercenary
soldier in pique at the attentions
paid by divers gallants to you,
ment I should be at Castle Tarnay,
my sword at your service, whereas
now.
He sighed. Rising, he buckled on
his rapier, grasped his long plumed
hat and brusquely left the tent to
inspect the soldiery.
Outside there was an encamp-
ment Of 1000 French soldiers.
De Granvais from an eminence at
the edge of the camp looked to-
ward the castle. He could see even
at that distance the helms Of the
watch as they leaned over the par
apets and he could imagine their
thoughts as they watched the
camp. And he could also imagine
Lady Ysobel, sitting in the great
hall waiting .. waiting for the in
evitable sortie that would mean
the downfall of the castle and the
relinquishing of the estates to the
feudal monarchy. His heart ached