Belle-Rose — page 368: what you’re looking at

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

A RAY OF SUNSHINE, 307 ‘*Were she in the middle of the Place Royale, the king’s authority protects her.’ ‘““Oh, there is the chapter of BOOId er ts ” replied Mon- sieur de Charny. Monsieur de Louvois shivered; the manner in which his ‘confidant pronounced these words gave them a clear and _ terrible sense. *“Certes, I can do nothing when it comes to chance,’”’ said the minister in a low tone. A sinister smile lit up the face of Monsieur de Charny. “It is a blind power,’’ said the confidant, *“‘and you are a clear-sighted minister. ’ ‘*Vicomte de Malzonvilliers!’’ murmured Monsieur de _Louvois, ‘‘colonel! master at present of the court’s favor! This is indeed the king’s handwriting. He wishes to push him and to charge himself with his fortune.’’ The minister read again five or six times the lines traced by the royal hand. ‘‘Monsieur de Charny,’’ said he, turning with an im- perative air to the pale gentleman, ‘‘accident is powerless as to him.’’ ‘‘Powerless to-day,’’ replied the favorite, coldly. ‘‘He is at your home.’’ Monsieur de Louvois rang and ordered Belle-Rose brought back. ‘“His Majesty wishes you well, monsieur, on account of your gallant conduct in Holland, and notably at the passage of the Rhine,’’ the minister said to him. ‘‘You are a colonel; you must be impatient to carry this news to st. Claire d’ Ennery, but before returning you your liberty, permit me to ask of you a new service. ’ ‘Speak, monseigneur.’ “You have assisted at this last victory of His Majesty, you have even taken a great part init; more than any other you are in position to draw up the statement which I propose to send to the governors of the provinces. It must leave soon; seat yourself there and begin.”’ Belle-Rose had no motive for refusing; he took the place indicated by Monsieur de Louvois, and prepared to write. ‘Meanwhile,’ said the minister, ‘if you have some letter to address to your wife, write it, and it will be car- ried to her at once.”’ Belle-Rose accepted the proposition. While he was — tracing some words in haste, Monsieur de Charny’s eyes followed the rapid movements of his hand with a diaboli- cal expression, When the letter was sealed, a strange (ele) (eo payicel evoKol <s