Year: 1866

part OF the. eleventh century, during the
reign of Philip Augustus. ..--


. The Prince was only, fifteen when he as
csndsd the throne; but the strong hand
with which he seized the reiDs of the Gov
ernment, awing the turbulent mobiles, and
protecting the common people against their
aggressions, soon convinced them that he
was not to be despised for his youth.


Though by this course he greatly endear'
ed himself to the mass of his subjects, his
life was more than once threatened, and
even attempted but these plots invariably
originated among the naughty mobiles, who
were restive under the restraints imposed
upon them by the Kings strong arm, and
his just and kindly heart.


In the summer of the eleventh year of
his reign, weary of the cares of state, Philip
retired with his court to bis royal residence
at Chaumont, which was favorite resort lor
him.


Among his train was Geofrey, Count de
Neville, the natural son of Louis VII, the
Kings half brother. He was mild and
inofensive man, apparently we'll contented
with the title and estate conferred by the
late King upon his mother, and which be
had inherited upon her death, but unfortu-
nately he married a naughty, ambitious wo-
man, who was but lily inclined to forego her
claims to royalty.


At the death of Louis, she openly asser.
ted that there had been secret marriage
between him and the late Countess de Ne
vile, and upon the head of her son should
rest the crown of France, he being the eld:
est born, and urged her husband to assert
his claims. But this the Count refused to
do, being ill.6ted by nature to act part re-
qu;ring more than usual energy and ability,
besides entertaining too strong an affection
for the young King, who had treated him
With unusual kindness, to seek to deprive
him of his rightful inheritance.


IfPhillip heard Of the presenslons which
tbe Countess set forth, he manifested no
outward token of displeasure or distrust.-
On the contrary, he gave his brother many
evidences Of regard, appointing him to hon
erary Offices near his person, although he
took care that they were such that they con-
ferred but little POWER


This was a new source Of grievance to
the naughty Countess, whepever reliuquish-
ed the idea of becoming Queear and had
fondly imagined that, on account of Philips
youth, his brother would obtain such a
strong ascendency over his mind as would
make him King in reality, if not in name.


This disappointment was felt with iucreas.
ed bitterness when she became the mother
of son, in whom she centered all her am.
bilious hopes, and all the love she was capa-
bic of feeling for one.


Unlike our modern fine ladies, the danes
of high degree of that remote period were
early risers; and the Countess de Neville Of
ten took long rides on horseback before the
dew was off the grass, unattended, except
by her groom, who Kept at respectful dis.
tance, just near enough to be within call,
should his lady require assistance.


One morning, she paused in front of a lit
tie cottage, situated in perfect wilderness
of bloom. As an involuntary ejaculation of
surprise and admiration escaped her lips, a
pretty, intelligent looking girl raised her
bright eyes from the rose-bush. she was prun-
ing.


Il have some handsomer within, arranged
in bouquets she said smiling, if madame
would like to examine them


Throwing the reins of her horse to her
attendant, the Countess alighted, much to
the surprise of the servitor, who had never
known his naughty mistress to be guilty of
so much condescension before.


As the Countess entered the little, low
room, the pretty Aower-girl displayed her
beautiful collection of bouquets with pardon
able pride.


sAll or any of them are at your service,
with the exception of this she said, point.
ing to one composed of golden lilies and
white roses, and relieved by few leaves of
green sit is for the King


$50 King Philip buys the flowers, pretty
maiden


sYes, madame; have orders to bring
them to the Palace daily. The golden lily
is his favorite flower; and there are only
those in bloom to-day


Il will take this said the Countess, Sc
lscting one of the bouquets, and taking from
her purse gold piece of more than double
the value, sbut first bring me cool draught
of water from the spring yonder.'


With light step the young girl took a
pitcher and passed out to the spring that
was but short distance from the door. AS
she glided by the window on returning, she
glanced in and saw, much to her surprise,
her visitor bending over the stand of flow.
ers, and apparently sprinkling something
from her hand upon those she had laid aside
for the King. When she took it away, her
eye caught CLEAN of small golden flask,
such as the ladies of that period used for
their cosmetics and perfumery. But when
she entered the room, she found her in the
same position in which she had left her.


She could not forbear an exclamation Of
surnrise as she obserbed how deadly pale was
her countsnance.


s'Tis but the odor of the flowers, said the


hnr