Belle-Rose — page 150: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

WHEAT AND TARES. 139 Belle-Rose understood this time that he must go; he bowed to the general and went out. At daybreak the next morning an officer of the general’s household came to warn Belle-Rose that he was expected in the great council chamber. Belle-Rose donned his wuni- form and went out. When-he entered the hall, his heart beat rapidly. The Duc de Luxembourg, surrounded by a brilliant staff, was seated in a large fauteuil; among the ereat officers of his suite, several wore upon the coat the insignia of their high rank. | Monsieur de Luxembourg saluted Belle-Rose with the hand, and indicated to him a place situated in a manner to give a good view of all that which was going to take place. Upon a sign from the general, everybody sat down in a > profound silence, an officer went out, and a nfioment after the doors gave passage to Monsieur de Naucrais, who was followed by two grenadiers. Monsieur de Naucrais per- ceived Belle-Rose, both exchanged a smile—the one of farewell, the other of hope; then the captain bowed to the council and waited. Monsieur de Luxembourg took off his _ wehite-plumed hat and stood. ‘‘Monsieur de Naucrais,’’ said he, ‘‘you committed - yes- terday a grave breach of discipline; you who ought, as an officer, to give an example of submission, have disobeyed. the orders of your superiors and merit, by that fact, a severe punishment; you are stripped of your grade. Yesterday you handed to me your sword; you must now lose your epaulettes. Gentlemen, do your duty.”’ At these words, two officers approached Monsieur de Naucrais and took from him the insignia of his command. Monsieur de Naucrais grew slightly pale. Belle-Rose, chilled by terror, dared not make a single movement. ‘You know, monsieur, that military laws condemn you to death,’’ continued the Duc de Luxembourg; ‘‘have you nothing to say in your defense?”’ ‘‘Nothing; your sentence is just, and I have deserved it. When one violates the laws of discipline as I have done, ‘tis best to die.’’ _At these funereal words, Bell-rose concealed his head between his hands; great drops of sweat beaded upon his forehead. ‘‘In the name of the king,’’ resumed Monsieur de Lux- embourg, ‘‘and acting by reason of the power conferred - upon me, I absolve you from the penalty of death.’’ ‘You pardon me!’’ exclaimed the captain, making two steps forward. 99 (lO) = (Eo) payicel oxoye) <S