D'Artagnan, the King Maker — page 289: what you’re looking at

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

CHAPTER XXXV. TO SAVE THE QUEEN. During this exciting episode, the Royal Musketeer was deep in the labyrinth, boring, like work of the white ant, the foundations of Marianda House. More familiar with it, Donna Jacinta had come out at the lower end with her sable maid; it 'was in the summerhouse. In its principal room was the Duchess of Braganza. She had ridden from the rebel headquarters on a pillion, to the gates and entered like a humble fugitive. A sailor, awaiting her, had guided her to this refuge. ‘I hope your highness has not been uneasy or fatigued in my absence?” said the young lady. “I know this house is very simple. It was here my mother retired for her ‘retreat,’ and she did away with the pretty vanities of fountains and flowers. It was never destined to re- ceive a queen!” ‘Pray, do not use a title before it is consecrated,” re- proved La Braganza, playfully. “This is a palace to the accommodations along the road, and to the hostel of the Petrel!’ “At least,” continued Jacinta, “it can offer what palaces do not always contain—loyal hearts and devoted spirits!” “What news?” “The people are having the word passed that their tights will be restored them, the traders that tolls and custom duties will be lightened, the Lisbonese that trade will go no more to Madrid.” “Nothing new of Don Juan?” ‘‘Madame, there are fears that fanatics will try to as- sassinate him! ‘Those in charge of his precious health are on their guard. ‘They have determined to baffle them; three or four coronation suits have been made, and each has its place of deposit. But it is here where I count upon his coming—the other dressing-rooms are but traps for the bravos!”’ “You are a fount of hopefulness, but I doubt more on the sill than on the long journey to the goal!” Eomicbooks:co im