Argosy, Vol. 1 (December 9, 1882) — page 212: what you’re looking at

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

THE QUEEN’S BODY GUARD. 205 Immediately in front of the chateau, which 1s of the Louis XIV period of architecture, is a broad, marble tiled court, approached by a few broad steps and flanked on either side by marble balustrades. The hand of the landscape gardener is everywhere visible, to allow of a splendid view of the sparkling blue water that stretches out to the horizon. The trees are trimmed in strange fantastic shapes and statues of glistening marble dot the close cropped lawn in every direction. In sharp contrast to this artificial landscape is the moss covered ruins of a medieval castle, to the right of the chateau, its grim walls and main portal still standing. As a background to all are the lofty Pyrenees, their snow capped peaks piercing the blue ether above. Henry Cottrell noticed all these things as he made his way along the gravel path and up the marble steps that led to the stately home of the Countess Marie de Villiers. Having had a few hours for calm reflection regarding his present position, he had came to the conclusion that there was undoubtedly a lot of trouble in store for him. He had made no plans as to what his course of conduct should be; coming events must decide that. ° Louis, the butler, answered his ring, and his customary look of placid indifference gave way to open mouthed astonishment at the appearance of this young foreigner, luggage in hand. ‘ Please tell your mistress, the Countess Marie, that her private secretary has arrived and awaits her pleasure! ’’ Cottrell spoke in a nonchalant tone as he entered the reception room. He had an hysterical desire to laugh at the expression on Louis’ face; at his own formal speech; at the whole situation—it was so unreal—so absurd. It seemed to him as though he were an actor in a play, and he almost expected to see the curtain rung down and to hear the applause of the audience beyond. “Pardon me, monsieur,” said the butler, “ but did you say that you are the private secretary to the countess? ” “JT did!” was the curt reply. “That’s very strange, monsieur. I have had no word of your coming.” ‘Probably your mistress has something better to do than to gossip with her servants.” The butler darted a venomous look at the newcomer, but he said no more and shuffled quickly out of the room. “Friend Louis wanted to pump me,” thought Cottrell. “I suppose by tonight the noble marquis will have learned of my arrival!” Presently the servant returned. “ You will find’ mademotselle la comtesse with her cousin, Count Rignault, on the eastern terrace, back of the chateau,” was his report. ‘ But shall I not be intruding? ” “ No, monsieur, you are asked to join them at once. Monsieur le comte has heard of you and is very anxious to make your acquaintance!” and Louis put a hand to his mouth to conceal an evil smile. As the young American went to obey the summons, the butler wagged: CORMNE OOO UN ceo