Argosy, Vol. 1 (December 9, 1882) — page 216: what you’re looking at

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

THE QUEEN’S BODY GUARD. 209 ‘“ Now, monsieur, I make no charges, but you are clever enough, I am sure, to put two and two together! There is only one way the count can get help, and he is not a man to stop at any trifle! ” “Tt can’t be possible!” muttered Cottrell, astonished beyond measure at this revelation. ‘Monsieur, I assure you it is!” retorted Louis, delighted at the impres- sion his words had made; for, like all people of his class, gossip was the joy of his soul. “ And if you want further proof, watch Mademoiselle Anne at din- ner tonight, for she always dines with her mistress, and I have orders to lay a cover for you as well. If she is nervous and distrait, depend upon it something is afoot for this evening, probably a clandestine meeting with Lieutenant Rig- nault ; follow her and you will see that all [ have told you is true. I would like to join you in the sport of watching the pair of them!” he added with a vil- lainous chuckle, “ but I have a little meeting of my own tonight! ” Here was a new development. Cottrell wanted to be alone that he might set his wits to work as to how he might best meet this fresh difficulty. But before he parted with his companion there was one thing more he wished to learn. ‘What sort of a man is the marquis?” he inquired. “ A sour tempered old boy, with one foot in the grave,” was the disrespect- ful answer. “‘ He’s a meddling old fool. His one ambition now is that the Countess Marie shall wed her cousin, the heutenant, and thus unite the houses. My own opinion is that if the old codger hadn’t had so much to say in the matter, the marriage would have taken place long ago. Count Rig- nault is such a masterful fellow and so dashing in his mamner; and that style always appeals to the women. ) “ However, the countess is different from most of her sex, and has tremen- dous pride, and so, perhaps, she never would have taken to Lieutenant Rig- nault. Still,” the loquacious Louis went on, “ the old marquis hasn’t mended matters with his overbearing way towards his ward. He’s made her life mis- erable enough. It’s a wonder she’s stood it as long as she has. Lucky for her, the old tyrant can’t bother her for some time to come; ” and the butler chuckled. | “ How so?” asked Cottrell sharply, so sharply that his companion looked at him with surprise. “TI guess I’ve told you enough. If monsieur le comte knew I’d been gos- siping with you there would be the devil to pay,” and so saying he started off. - But Cottrell was not going to let him go till he had secured the information he desired. “ Come, come, friend Louis,” he said pleasantly; “it’s a mean trick to rouse a man’s curiosity and then leave it unsatisfied.” “ Well, what do you want to know?” asked the other shortly. What ails the marquis? ”’ “ He’s laid up with an attack of gout that will keep one foot off the ground for a good two weeks yet,” was the answer that made Cottrell’s heart thump for very joy. It meant one less villain to dea! with. Undoubtedly the marquis would dictate his plans to his son, to be car- 2 ecomiclooolks ceo