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roses that erstwhile so sweetly lined through ignorance or instigated by a his path.

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In plain prose a rival had seized the occasion to steal a march upon him, one Duilly by name, of the noble house of Châtelet (my Lord High-Seneschal of Lorraine's eldest son), who, with his father and a crowd of Lorraine gentlemen, had followed M. de Vaudemont when he came up to Saint Germains to fulfil his marriage tract with the Demoiselle de Nemours. Now Messieurs Châtelet, father and son, had long cast covetous eyes on the Vieilleville connection, being fully cognizant of its value. Resolved to win by fair means or foul they were not above availing themselves of Sire Renard's arts, and after quitting Lorraine, travelled out of their way to Metz, where, in all honor and tranquillity, resided the Dame de Vieilleville during her husband's absence. To this lady, with a thousand respectful observances and complimentary speeches, my Lord Seneschal broached his project of a match between their children, asserting that M. de Vieilleville had already given it his sanction and promise of a settlement so soon as they should meet at court, whither he and his son were journeying with that object in view. Before going further, however, he had desired to consult the wishes of madam herself, feeling persuaded that the mothers prerogative in an affair of marriage was no less cogent than that of the father. It was a sentiment which did M. le Senechal honor, and could not fail to ingratiate him with the good lady; all the more, perhaps, as it was one which that illustrious seigneur, her spouse, does not appear to have shared. In fact, so little uxorious (we imitate the Lord Servitor's wise discretion) was the said seigneur in his conjugal relations that hitherto he had not deemed it necessary to take madam into his confidence with regard to M. de Saulx. This poor lady, it would seem, was the very last to be informed of news which had already travelled as far as Lorraine; and small blame to her, say we, for the error she fell into, either

little natural spirit of retaliation. Certain it is that she lent a willing ear to her neighbor's proposal; and at parting young Duilly was suffered to carry away with him a letter of introduction to her daughter, wherein his admirable qualities and the mother's high appreciation were categorically set forth.

The young gentleman now lost no time in hastening up to court, where he arrived at the opportune moment of M. de Vieilleville's absence, and proceeded to drive his suit at a furious pace. That old fox, his father, meanwhile, was no less busy currying favor among the great, notably in the Lorraine coterie of which Mademoiselle de Nemours made one at present, and would have been delighted to secure Vieilleville's company on her approaching wedding-journey. Meeting this latter one day in the queen's apartment the gay young bride accosted her by the name of "milk-sister" (the two having fed at the same board for upwards of four years), and called out to her in a merry voice, so as to be heard by all, that when in doubt a maid could not do better than give the preference to Lorraine, for there were no husbands so good as those that came out of that countrywitness, her own choice; nor was any road so pleasant to travel in the springtime of the year as the one that led thither.

Thus it was that Dame Fortune, who relishes nothing better than upsetting lovers' calculations, played her cruel trick upon M. de Saulx. But faint heart never yet won fair lady, and, quickly rallying, the Provençal threw himself into the breach with all imaginable ardor. Justice and honor were both ranged on his side, supported by a father's authority; whereas M. de Duilly relied solely on the mother, whose letter he had taken the precaution of opening before delivery and been greatly encouraged by its perusal.

Carnival was now approaching, and the gay world a-gog as usual for

merry-making. Balls, masques,

tiltings, and tournaments were the order of the day, and the gallant part played in each by Mademoiselle de Vieilleville's brave suitors soon divided this joyous court into two camps, one favoring Provence, the other crying up Lorraine. Like many of his countrymen (including the great family of Guise) M. de Duilly was of a fair complexion, yet withal tall, well-shaped, and hardy with the best. His cool address and self-possession in moments of emergency offered a striking contrast to the fire of his southern rival, which seemed destined to win if only by irresistible impetuosity. Howbeit

on more than one occasion it happened that Lorraine proved his match, even in the tiltyard, where De Saulx had hitherto carried everything before him. In like manner La Volte de Sault suffered something of an eclipse through the popularity of a new dance, entitled Bransles du Haut-Barrois, in which M. de Duilly figured to the admiration of all.

pretty girlish coquetry which would have been only natural in the circumstances. Question it as we may, the pale young face still smiles back to us across the centuries with its air sweet and inscrutable, like that of Leonardo's Mona Lisa smiling out of the painted canvas. Possibly the poor child's thoughts are more intent on studying her father's commands than in lending encouragement to either ardent suitor; or she knits her innocent brows over her mother's ambiguous letter with an assiduity which their most impassioned love-songs fail to invoke.

And still the balance hung suspended, neither party gaining the advantage. Events were hurrying on, however, and a definite settlement, one way or another, could not long be delayed. Early one morning (all the world appears to have got about its business with the birds in those stirring days) Mademoiselle de Vieilleville received a call to wait upon the king's second daughter, Madam Claude "These two determined competi- of France. For a description of that tors," observes Maître Carloix, "were gentle and gracious princess we must rivals by nature as much as by cir- turn to Brantôme, who depicts her in cumstance. They continually spurred the heyday of her girlish charms; "So one another on to greater effort, be- pleasant was she," he writes, "and of grudging no sort of trouble or expense so open and sunny a countenance that in their desire to excel. At court nothno one could help loving her at first ing was heard of but the admirable sight." The summons, then, coming exploits, the audacious encounters, from such a quarter, caused none of splendid festivities, and gala doings those flutterings in the dove-cot which both on land and water (accompanied a like invitation to Queen Catherine's by sumptuous collations of fruits, rare redoubtable presence always оссаand exquisite, and all sorts of marvel- sioned. Truth to tell, Madame Cathlous confections) which the brave ser- erine did not wholly confine her disvitors of Mademoiselle de Vieilleville cipline to moral suasion, inquisitorial provided for her gratification, and the though that was, but by dint of sundelectation of mesdemoiselles her com- dry sharp nips and downright blows panions." taught her tender maidens the full weight of a queen's hand. Blithe Claude, on the contrary, they regarded almost as one of themselves, a lighthearted girl who stood quite as much in awe of their terrible mistress as any among them. At her bidding, accordingly, our heroine sped away like a bee to the clover field, and arriving in the same breath found the young princess not yet out of bed, making merry

We hear much, indeed, of these sprightly maids, who evidently lost nothing of their share when pleasure was afoot. But to judge from the accounts handed down, fair Philomèle herself seems to have played a curiously neutral part in the brilliant pageantry. No hint survives of partiality shown by her to either eager competitor; no suggestion, even, of that

with her waiting ladies in a pitched name of her I chose before giving a battle of pillows. But on Philomèle's approach truce was called, and the flushed combatants, one and all, incontinently dismissed, for madam announced that she had need of no one's services at her robing that morning save Vieilleville's alone. So, the room being cleared, and the maid of honor on her knees before her young mistress, madam began speaking in a low and confidential voice.

thought to any other! Yes, heart of my heart, 'twas thine; and so I told the queen, my mother; not only because of our joint birthday, which falls together on the festival of Saint Barbara, virgin and martyr, but still more for the love I bear thee. Indeed, and indeed, I swear by God's truth, this love is so deep and so tender that nothing on earth could console me for the loss of it!"

'Twas Philomèle's turn now to sob a little, burying her face in madam's lap under the cloud of brown curls which had escaped from their fillet, not having yet been dressed for the queen's levée.

"You know, Vieilleville," she said, "that my marriage with the Duke of Lorraine is now fully decided upon; and the king, my father, only awaits the conclusion of some important business, which detains him, before going up to Paris to arrange the wedding "And the queen also," Claude hasceremony. It is to be a very grand tened to add, "the queen, my mother, event, I am promised, and celebrated approves highly of you, for she has with all the pomp and circumstance often noticed the pleasant modesty of which used of old times to attend the your demeanor, and other virtues nuptials of a daughter of the lilies. which shine in you. She knows that But oh, my dear, if only you knew you are no busybody like many of how I dread it, and how I tremble at your companions who gad about backthe thought of going away into that biting and sowing dissension high and far country, among cold, critical stran- low, some of them, even, so lost to gers, not one of whom knows me or prudence as to whisper scandal of a cares the least in the world for me! So certain very great prince and most nohappy as I have always been up to this ble virtuous lady, whose names need time, here in my own place, among not be mentioned. But I happen to my own people!" know, and will tell you in confidence, that several of these too-glib demoiselles are likely to be sent back to their parents after Easter, with shame for their only portion. However, that concerns neither you nor me. Nor must I forget to tell you, in proof of an affection better than many fine words, that in my marriage-contract (which was drawn up the day before yesterday, your name appears writ fair and large over the title of First Lady-in-Waiting, with an accompanying list of perquisites, pensions, and so on, as long as my arm. And this was done, it may gratify you to learn, by express command of the queen, your gracious mistress; though not at all to my content, let me say, for I was greatly vexed at first that the gift should be permitted to come from any hand but mine. So you see, Vieilleville," the princess concluded, "there is no escape

Here Madam Claude paused to shed a few warm drops at the sad reflection, while Philomèle, still kneeling beside her, kissed her hands again and again, her own eyes growing misty in sympathy.

"I know I shall feel miserably homesick at first," the princess resumed, "and all forlorn, like some poor halffledged bird that has left its nest too soon. But, Vieilleville, give good heed now to what I am about to say, for I have formed a plan in my head, and I count especially on your aid and friendship. Know then that rather than trust myself all alone in that strange country I am resolved to take from your midst six demoiselles, who shall accompany me, making my country their country, loving me as I love them, and living and dying with me. Sweetheart, I leave thee to guess the

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"Oh, madam, madam," the young girl stammered, unable to speak other word from her full heart. But recollecting in time her court breeding and the respect which is due to rank, she put a check on her emotions and replied in becoming terms: "Madam and princess, I know not how sufficiently to thank you for the favor you have deigned to show the least worthy of your servants; nor can I imagine to what I owe my good fortune if not to your own unbounded goodness, and to Heaven, which by its influence hath so embellished me in your eyes. Oh, my mistress, sweetest and best," she cried, again forgetting herself, "there is nothing in the wide world I would not do for love of you! I would walk barefooted every step of the road into Lorraine, the sun and the rain on my head, if at the end I might be sure of seeing your face and of hearing your voice. Like that damsel in Holy Writ of whom the preacher told us, "Whither thou goest will I go, and where thou lodgest I will lodge; thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God."

Thus these two innocent children, whose years together scarce counted thirty, held sweet converse, hand clasped in hand, and lifted above our wicked world in a kind of angelic rap.ture. "The Lord do so to me and more also, if aught but death part thee and me," Claude repeated, adopting in her turn that solemn Scriptural phraseology which was on many lips since Catherine had thrown open her doors to M. Théodore de Béze, and other eloquent advocates of the New Doctrine.

But the sunshine of madam's disposition would not long brook a cloud, however slight, and soon, brushing aside her tears, she cried merrily, "Eh! but how about this poor Comte de Saulx?"

For all answer Philomèle continued to gaze, round-eyed, at her young mistress. Truth to tell, our gentle enthusiast had not yet descended from her peroration among the clouds, and the expression of her fair artless visage showed so little consciousness of the part she was called upon to take between two furious suitors, each ready to tear his rival in pieces for love of her, that Madam Claude (whose humor was ever of the liveliest) could not restrain her merriment. She laughed aloud, and girl-like, laughed the more for laughing, joined presently by her companion, who must needs help swell this joyous chorus, though without rightly comprehending its motive. Meanwhile the faces of the Ladies-in-Waiting, who were listening with all their ears at the door, grew longer each moment, for still less could they understand the occasion of such inordinate mirth.

When gravity was re-established, Mademoiselle de Vieilleville began again, blushing a little, yet preserving unabashed the clear, upward look of her candid eyes. "Madam and princess, I cannot deny that I am under great obligations to M. de Saulx, who is a very gallant gentleman, and above the breath of reproach. At the same time I can assure your Highness, on my honor, that no word or act has passed between us that was not authorized by my father; and up to this moment (thanks to the grace of Heaven) I remain entire mistress of my own heart. Nevertheless, madam, the designs of my father, in presenting this young gentleman to me, must be sufficiently well known to you. In short, to cut a long story, I admit that the affair has already progressed SO far that our public betrothal is fixed for Wednesday next, that is in three days' time, and the wedding for three days later. As regards M. de Vieille

ville (whose reputation needs no advocacy of mine, or of any one's, and is honored from one end of France to the other) it only remains to be said that his promised word once given remains as fixed as the stars in their course, and is no more to be turned aside. How, then, would it be possible for me, a child and dependent, to fly in his face, defying his deliberate purpose? On my soul, madam, I should never dare attempt it,-no, not on the longest day of my life! Left to my own resources, poor coward that I am, I foresee that your Highness's gracious design must suffer defeat, and I be deprived of every joy I know. Alas! no hope remains unless my dear mistress herself, out of her charity, and the kindness which she professes for me, shall deign to interpose, and by her sovereign authority bring about desired change."

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Certainly if any power on earth could remove mountains, 'twas that of the august lady to whom Claude now addressed herself. The day was not an hour older when M. de Vieilleville received word that his Majesty desired speech of him, and on hastening to the royal closet found there, impatiently awaiting his arrival, an august trio, composed of the king's Majesty, Queen Catherine, and Madam Claude of France. Hardly giving him time to make his reverence, an interrogation was straightway opened on the subject of M. de Saulx, with full particulars requested of the hopes or expectations which had been held out to that gentleman.

Now, at court, as elsewhere, honesty

is often found to be the best policy, as well as an excellent safeguard against surprise in ambush. Such was the maxim of this worthy gentleman, at all events, and one from which he saw no cause for deviating on the present occasion. Without beating about the bush he made answer that, subject to the royal will, he had ventured to guarantee his young friend the post of lieutenant-governor under his own command at Metz, besides the promise of a company (having now served his three years), and promotion to the rank and emoluments of a Gentleman of the Chamber.

"So far, so good," quoth the king, adding that the necessary papers should be forthcoming. "But tell me, Vieilleville," he pursued, "has not this fortunate young gentleman been permitted to cherish other hopes more desirable still, and more precious than any you have yet mentioned?"

Now, indeed, the drift of the king's remarks could no longer be mistaken. M. de Vieilleville, however, was resolved on making a bold stand, and did not deny (since his Majesty was good enough to inquire), that a matrimonial engagement of long standing subsisted between the said Comte de Saulx and his second daughter, Philomèle, which had not yet received public announcement, but was none the less binding on both parties. And thereupon he launched out into an eulogy of his proposed son-in-law, whose birth, possessions, valor, good health, good looks, and many other excellent qualities he warmly extolled, winding up by declaring that there was no one to whom he could confide his daughter with greater confidence.

But at this point Queen Catherine, who had hitherto remained silent, broke in. "I see plainly," she cried, "that the Sire de Vieilleville has quite forgotten a certain letter which he wrote to me some four years ago, when first his daughter was committed to my charge. That letter I have still, and find in it, over his proper signature, a complete surrender of his own parental rights in the said young

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