A Gentleman from Gascony: A Romance of the Huguenots — page 83: what you’re looking at

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

FROM FAILURE—SUCCESS, 19 queen’s intercession, you are pardoned. And, at her request, I appoint you my equerry. ' Your duties begin on the morrow.” Scarce believing his senses, Raoul sank on one knee. It was as if Paradise had opened before one who had already felt the pangs of the place of torture. “Rise, monsieur, rise,” said the gentle voice of the queen. The chevalier obeyed, the color returning to his cheeks and the light to his eyes. “Ah, madame,”’’ he faltered,“ I am forever prostate at the feet of your merciful Majesty. It is only now, madame, that I comprehend the extent of my au- dacity.’”’ Marguerite smiled. “In truth, chevalier,” she said, kindly, “you must have had a very powerful motive to make the Queen of Navarre your accomplice in such a comedy. AndI think I guess it.” She motioned Gabrielle, who was blushing like a rose, to approach. “Reserve your thanks for Mademoiselle de Vrissac, for all your good fortune is due to her.” Raoul de Puycadére never knew how he managed to take leave of the royal couple. Half dazed, he found himself walking by the side of the maid of honor through the magnificent apartment. He took no notice of the curious looks cast at him. But two thoughts occupied his mind. His object was accomplished: he was equerry to the king of Navarre; and from the queen’s mouth he knew that he owed his success to the woman he loved, to Mademoiselle de Vrissac (at at he knew her name). Gabrielle, guessing something of the tumult that raged within his breast, led the way to the deep em- eorniclboooks (co LALA