The Argosy, Vol. 83 No. 1 — page 147: what you’re looking at

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

THE STAR “True! ” “Nor is the divine right strictly limited to his majesty’s self. It extends to the blood royal wherever it is found. It is a violation of the divine right—an of- fense against morality, if you will permit me to so express myself—for a member whatsoever of the royal family to marry outside of the royal lineage. Such things have happened, of course, but your ma- jesty is well aware that such unions have been a fruitful source of tragedy both to persons and to the state.” ‘You have reference to—” “Your majesty’s cousin, my grand- daughter, mademoiselle la princesse Blanche de Valliéres.”’ , CHAPTER XVI. LOVE AND HATE. CHAN would have spoken, but he was forestalled by the Duke of Angou- léme. “T take it, my grandfather, that you are here on behalf of M. de Warren.” ‘“‘And for the cause, your majesty.” “What has M. de Warren to say?” “Tf your majesty will permit, I shall endeavor to make it clear,” said the mar- quis. His black mustache was waxed. He touched it nervously while his small black eyes flickered for an instant or two over Chan. He faced the Duke of Angouléme. “Clearness above all,” said the latter. “Go ahead, marquis.” “For almost two years it has been my honor and good fortune to be much in the society of Mlle de Valliéres. She did not find my presence distasteful, if I dare say so. It is not necessary to refer either to my family or my fortune. Your majesty is perfectly familiar with such details. He will understand that there was no reason why I should not have been bold enough to consider my union with Mlle de Val- lieres as not impossible.” “That’s the truth.” “This union became cven more desir- OF ADVENTURE. 137 able, perhaps, when the circumstances per- mitted that other union. I refer to the coalition of the various Royalist and Na- tionalist groups brought about by the skill of your majesty’s grandfather and the patriotism of our people. It was, in fact, with this desirable end in view that I happened to be at the Chateau Lenoir when the presence of your majesty was signaled aboard the ship from New Or- leans.” “Had Mile de Valliéres been advised of your purpose?”’ “Not yet; not in so many words. But surely no young lady could have suspected my presence there as due to any other cause. Briefly, I was delighted when it was proposed that we go out in the Reine Blanche to meet your majesty’s ship. Mile. de Valliéres seemed equally de- lighted. I venture to add that I had re- ceived such encouragement, in fact, that I welcomed the chance to speak to your majesty concerning the matter at such an early opportunity. Unhappily, I was pre- vented from doing so by the circumstances which we all know.” “And then?” “Tt is only since that date that Mlle. de Vallieres has begun to shun me. Not only that, but from your majesty’s self I have failed to get an answer.” “But Mlle. de Valliéres says that she does not love you, my friend. I’m sorry, but she told me so herself.” “But you, sire, are the head of the fam- ily. I venture to recall that your majesty can command.” “And if I don’t care to exercise this prerogative?” “T can only attribute it to an unde- sirable element that has come into the lives of all of us,” the marquis said, thickly. “Do you refer to me?” Chan demanded, softly. “Stop,” said the Duke of Angouléme, raising his hand. ‘‘Why do you say that, marquis? Go ahead and speak frankly, man to man. We'll waive ceremony for the moment. The truth’s the thing.” Gomichbook (C@)