Belle-Rose — page 184: what you’re looking at

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

A SOUL IN PAIN. 13 - litter, and the sad procession took the road to Charleroi. Déroute, who was not dangerously hurt, rode his horse passably well. Madame de Chateaufort dried her eyes red- dened by tears and approached Belle-Rose. ‘“Jacques,’’ she said to him, in a sweet and firm voice, ‘*T have a favor to ask of you, not for myself, but in the name of the child whom you have sworn to watch over.’”’ At this recollection, Belle-Rose was agitated. ‘Speak, Genevieve, I am listening to you; but make haste, each minute is precious. ”’ | ‘*t must see you, | must speak to you again on the sub- ject of this child. Do you wish it?’’ fixing a suppliant look upon him who had loved her so much. ‘*T do,’’ said he. “Thanks, Jacques. ‘To-morrow I will inform you where we shall have this last interview. Now, adieu.”’ Madame de Chateaufort turned aside her head to con- ceal a tear which trembled on the border of her eyelid, urged on her mare and disappeared. Some hours after the encounter in the valley, the funeral cortege entered the camp of Charleroi. Monsieur de Naucrais, forewarned by Grippard, ran to the falconer, who had loved and protected his childhood. In a corner of the tent, Claudine and Pierre were sobbing; Belle-Rose was despondent but firm; Cor- nelius went from Claudine to Belle-Rose, mournful and silent, Guillaume had the serenity of an old soldier who had always lived like a Christian. He was dying as others so to sleep. Guillaume recognized Monsieur de Naucrais as soon as he entered and pressed his head. He could no longer speak, but his loyal glance had still the brilliancy of his green old age. While he was retaining Monsieur de Naucrais, he made-a sign to Belle-Rose to approach; his eyes turned then to the son of Comte d’Assonville with a disturbed and supplicating expression. ‘Tam his brother,’’ said Monsieur. de Naucrais, touched by this mute prayer. Guillaume carried Monsieur de Naucrais’ hand to his lips with so much effusion, that the impassible soldier turned aside his head to conceal his emotion. At this mo- ment acorner of the canvas was raised and gave passage to Monsieur de Luxembourg. The duke approached the bed where the old falconer was lying and gave him his hand. “Do you recognize me, Guillaume?’’ he said to him. Guillaume looked athim a moment, and a soft smile was seen to shine in his eyes. Eomicbooks (Ele)