Beadle's New York Dime Library, No. 190 — page 65: what you’re looking at

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

~ NL Ti ie oe. | -—-— - — ———— kissing her hand. His whole manners and appearance indicated a state of ordinary tranquility; except that a| the duke, ‘‘but is your grace aware strguge gleam, like the brilliancy of fever, beamed from his eyes. His forehead was even more calm than usual; his teeth firmly closed; and his speech had a short and abrupt tone, which seemed to denote that his thoughts were intent upon some gloomy purpose, As long as he remained in the boat which took him on shore, he had kept his face turned towards her lady- “ te 7 THE THREE «sUARDSMEN. *Parden me, my lord,” said Felton, interrupting at. Charlotte Backson is not the real name of his female?” “Yes, sir, L know it:"’ replied the duke, dipping his pen into the ink. ‘Then your grace is acquainted with her real name?” demanded Felton, in an abrupt tone. ‘*T do know it.”’ The duke put the pen to the paper. Felton became ship, who, standing on the deck, followed him with her | pale. eyes. Neither of them now entertained much fear of being pursued. Her ladyship's apartment was never entered before nine o'clock in the morning, amd it took some hours to travel from the castle to London. Felton set his foot on land, climbed the risin ound which led to the top of the cliff, saluted her ladyship for the last time, and took his way towardsthetown. After a hundred steps, as the path descended as it proceeded, he could no longer see more than the mast of the ves- sel, He hastened as fast as possible inthe direction of Portsmouth, which, through the morning mist, he could discern in the distance. Beyond the town, the sea was covered with innumerable ships, whose masts, like a forest of poplars stripped of their leaves by winter, were bending before the breath of the wind. During this rapid walk, Felton resolved in his mind all the accusations whether true or false, with which ten years of ascetic meditation, and a long in- tercourse with the Pans, had furnished him against tite royal favorite. When he compared the public crimes of this minister—crimes which were notorious, and,in a manner, European—with those private and unknown ones of which her ladyship had accused him, Felton found that the most culpable of the two beings whom Buckingham united in himself, was the one whose life was hidden from the world. His own love, so singular and fresh, and ardent, made him see the infamous and imaginary accusations of her moyen, as one sees, through a microscope, in the shape of frightful mon- sters, the atoms of an insect, otherwise imperceptible. The rapidity of his eo ress, also, inflamed. his blood. The idea that he left behind him, exposed to a dreadful vengeance, the woman whomfhe loved, or, rather, adored as a saint—his past emotions, and his present fatigune— all tended to excite and elevate his soul above the feel- — of humanity. n entering Portsmouth, he found the whole popnla- tion in motion, The drums were beating in the streets and in the harbor, and the troops about to be embarked were descending towards the sea. Felton arrivedat the Admirality-house, covered with dust, and wet with e spiration. His usually pale face was purple with heat and anger. The sentinel wished to repulse him; but Felton called for the officer on guard, and drew from his pocket the letter which he carried. **An express from Lord de Winter,” said he. At the name of Lord de Winter, who was known to be one of Buckingham’s most intimate friends, the officer gave an order for the admission of Felton who, more- over, himself wore the uniform of a naval officer. Felton rushed into the house, but the moment he reached the hall another man also entered, covered with dustyand ont of breath; having left at the door a post- horse, which, on reaching it, had fallen on its knees. Both individuals addressed Patrick, the duke’s confi- dential valet, at the same moment. Felton named the Baron de Winter. The stranger refused to mention any mame, and declared that he could not make himself known to no one but the duke, Both insisted on being allowed pate of admission. Patrick, who knew that Lord de Winter was connected, both by business and friendship, with his ve the preference to him who came in his name, e other was obliged to wait and it was easy enough to see how heartily he c the delay. The valet conducted Feltun throngh a large room, in which were waiting the deputies from la Rochelle, led by the Prince de Soubise; and introduced him into a cabinet, where Buckingham, having just left the bath, was finishing his toilet, to which now, as ever, he ac- corded extreme attention. ‘‘Lieutenant Felton,’ said Patrick, ‘‘from Lord de Winter.” “From Lord de Winter?*’ repeated Buckingham. **Show him in." Felton entered. At this moment Buckingham threw down upon a sofaa rich dressing-gown, brocaded with old, and put on a doublet of biue velvet, entirely em- roidered with pearls. ‘““Why did not the baron come himself ?’ demanded Buckingham, ‘I expected him this morning.”’ “He desired me. to inform your grace,” replied Fel- ton, ‘that he very much regretted not having that honor; but that he was prevented, by the watch he is obliged to keep at the castle.” * Yes, yes,” said Buckingham ; ‘‘I know that; he has alady prisoner there,”’ “It is, in fact, about that prisoner that I wish to speak to your grace,’’ replied Felton. * Well, proceed.”’ “What I have to say to you, my lord, must be heard by yourself alone.”’ “Leave us, Patrick,” said Buckingham. “ but keep within hearing ; I will call you presently,” Patrick left the room. * We are alone, sir,’’ said Buckiagham. ‘‘ Speak.” ‘**Lord,”’ replied Felton, ‘‘ the Baron de Winter lately wrote to your grace requesting you to sign an order for the transportation of a young woman, named Charlotte Backson.” ‘Yes, sis ; and I replied, that he should either bring or eend me the order, and I would sign it.”’ ** Here it is, my lord.” ‘Give it me,”’ said the duke. Taking the paper from Felton’ s hands, his grace cast a rapid glance over its contents. Then, preceiving it was really that which had been referred to, he laid it on the table, took a pen, and prepared to sign it. = TT | === e-ssnee ——————EEEE— “And, knowing this true name,"’ resumed Felton, ‘will your grace still sign the paper ?”’ ** Certainly,”’ said Buckinham, *‘ and rather twice than once,” **T cannot believe,”’ continued Felton, in a voice which became more and more short and reproachful, ** that your grace is aware that this refers to Lady de Winter.” : ; “*I am perfectly aware of it, although I am astonished | that it should be ““And your grace wil remorse?" Buckingham looked hanghtily at the sneaker. **Do you happen to know, sir,”’ said he, **that you are _— very foolish to answer them ?”’ ‘*Answer them, my lord!” said Felton; ‘‘your posi- tion is perhaps more serious than you suppose.”’ Buckingham thought that as the es man came from Lord de Winter, he probably spoke in his name: he therefore restrained himself. * Withont any remorse whatever,” said he, “‘and the nown to you.’ sign this order without ' ' | baron knows, a8 well as I do,that her ladyship is agreat | criminal, to whom it is always a favor to limit her pun- ishment to transportation.” The duke again put his pen to the paper. ** You shall not sign that order, my lord,’ said Felton, making a step towards the duke, “IT shall not sign this order?’ exclaimed Buckingham; *fand why not?’ ‘* Because you will consult your own conscience, and will render syste to the lady," **It would be nothing more than justice, if she were sent to Tyburn,”’ said the duke: * her ladyship is an in- Dataty Lond, net advaht y ior er iadys demand her fi is an angel! You know it well, and I demand berty."’ ‘ “ An!” said Buckingham, “are you mad,thus to speak ome!” ** Excuse me,my lord; I speak as I am able—I restrain myself, Yet,my lord, think of what you are about todo; beware lest you should overfill the measure——” “What does he mean !—God forgive me,”’ exclaimed Buckingham. ‘I verily believe he threatens me!”’ ‘No, my lord—I implore you still, and I warn you:— one drop of water is sufficient to make the full vase overflow—a slight fault is sufficient to draw down ven- eance upon the head which has been spared to this y in spite of so many crimes.” : Mr. ‘elton,’ said Buckingham, “you will leave this room, and immediately place yourself under an arrest.” ‘* And you my lord, will hear me totheend. You have seduced this young girl, you have outraged and polluted her. Repair your crimes towards her, let her depart freely, and I will exact nothing more of you.” **You will evact nothing more!” cried Buckingham, looking at Felton with astonishment, and dwelling on each syllable of the words which he had just pronounced. ‘My lord,’’ continued Felton, becoming more ex- cited as he spoke, ‘‘ my lord, be careful: the whole of England is wearied 4 your iniquities; my lord, you have abused the royal power, which you have almost usurped: my lord, you are an abomination to God and man, God will punish you hereafter, and I will punish you now.’ ‘Ah! This is rather too much!” exclaimed Buck- gham, making a step towards the door. Felton opposed his progress, “LThumbly entreat you,” said he, “to sign an order for the liberation of Lady de Winter. the woman whom you have dishonored.” ** Leave the room, sir!’ said Buckingham, “ or I will call my servants to expel you!” ‘You will not call them,” replied Felton, throwing himself between the duke and the bell, which was placed upon @ stand inlaid with silver; ‘take care, my lord, for you are now in God's hands!” *‘In the devil's hands, you mean!” exclaimed Buck- ingham, elevating his voice so as to. at- tract the attention of those without, but not exactly in calling them, **Sign, my lord—sign the liberation of Lady de Win- ter!’ said Felton, pushing a paper towards the duke. “By force? You are making a fool of yourself! Hallo, there! Patrick!" ‘* Sign, my lord!"’ ‘* Never!’ ** Never?” ‘* Help!" cried the duke, at the same time leaping to- wards his sword. But Felton did not give him time to draw it: the open knife with which her ladyship had wounded herself was concealed under his doublet, and in one bound was upon the duke. At that moment Patrick entered the room, exclaim- * My lord, a letter from France.” : m France!" cried Buckingham, forgetting every- thin as he imagined from whom that letter came, Felton took advantage of the moment, and buried the knife to its handle in his side. ‘Ah traitor!’ exclaimed Buckingham, “thou hast slain me!" ‘* Murder!” shonted Patrick. Felton cast his eyes around, and, seeing the door free, he rushed into the adjoining room, where, as we have said the deputies from la Rochelle were waiting, passed through it still running, and huaried towards the stair- , Reflect that it is | — ee ee ee eC OO OO ee case, But upon the first step he met Lord de Winter, who —on seeing him wild-lookiog, andwivid, and stained with blood upon the hands and face—rushed upon him, and exclaimed: ‘* knew it!—I foresaw it! One minute too late! Alas, alas! how unfortunate is my lot!” Felton did not attempt to resist, and Lord de Winter handed him over to the guards, who, in the meantime, conducted him to a little terrace overlooking the sea. His lordship himself hastened into Buckingham’s cab- inet. On hearing the duke’s cry, and Patrick’s shout the man whom Felton had met in the ante-chamber rushed into his grace’sroom. He found the duke reclining on a sofa, pressing the wound with his convulsive hand. ‘** Laporte,” said the duke, in adying voiee—“* Laporte do youcomefrom her?” — ‘Yes, your grace,” replied the faithful servant of Anre of Austria, ** but I fear, I come too Iate.”’ ‘*Hush! Laporte—you might be overheard. Patrick, let no oneenter. Qh, I shallnot know what she says tome, My God! I am dying!” The duke fainted. Nevertheless, Lord de Winter, the deputies, the chiefs me some strange questions, and that I’am | of the expedition, and the officers of Buckingham's household, had already forced their way into the room. Cries of despair resounded on every side. The tidings which had filled the house with lamentation and groans soon spread, and became generally known throughout the town 3; whiist the firing of a cannon announced that’ something new and unexpected had occured. Lord de Winter tore his hair. ‘‘ One minute too late,” exclaimed he. ‘“‘One minute to late! Oh, my ! my God! what a misfortune?” He had, in fact, at seven o'clock in the morning, re- ceived information that a rope-ladder had been found suspended from one of the windows of the castle ; and instantly hastening to her ladyship‘schamber, he hada found it empty, the window open, and the bars filed. through. Remembering, then, the yerbal warning which d’Artagnan had sent to him by his messenger, he hadt rembled for the duke ; and without a moment's delay, he had mounted the first horse thathe found, and gallopped at full speed to Portmouth, dismounted in the courtyard, and hastily ascended the stairease where, as we have already said, he encountered Felton on the top. most step. But the duke was not yet dead. He recovered his senses, again unclosed his eyes, and hope revisited ali their hearts, ‘*Gentlemen,” said he, “leave me alone with Patrick and Laporte. Ah,is it you,de Winter. You sent me a strange madman this morning! See the state in which he has placed me !”’ ‘*Oh, my lord!" exclaimed the baron—‘“ oh, my bord, never shall I forgive myself for it !"’ ‘“*And there you would be wrong, de Winter,” said Buckingham, giving him his hand. *‘I know n otof any man who is worthy to be etted by another through- out the whole of his life, Datieave us, I beseech you. ‘ The baron left the room sobbing. There remained in the cabinet only the wounded duke Laporte and Patrick, A surgeon had been_sent for, but could not be found. ‘* You will live, my lord—yon will live!” repeated the messenger of Anne of Austria, who was kn before the duke. ‘*“What has she written to me?” said Buckingham feebly, as the blood ag from him, and he subdued, in order to speak of her he loved, his enormous pains: ‘* what has she written tome? Read me her letter.’’ ‘**Oh, my lord!” exclaimed Laporte, “2 Well, Laporte, do you see that I have no time to ose?" ' Laporte instantly broke the seal, and placed the parch- ment before the duke’s eyes: but Buckimghamin vain attempted to decipher the writing. ‘Read it, then,” said he; ‘‘read it—read it quickly; for I can nolonger see! Read it—for I shall soon be no longer able to hear, and shall die withont knowlng what she has written to me,”’ , Laporte no longer hesitated. The letter was as fol- | OWS!— Rann nn nn EERE ‘“*My Lord, . ‘* By all that I have suffered through you, and for you, since I have known you, I conjure you if you have any regard to my repose, to pnt an end to those vast prepa- rations which you are mak’ against France, and to relinguish a war of which, it is said, that religion is the avowed, and your love for me the secret cause, That war may not only bring great calamities on France and England, but even upon yourself, my lord—misfortunes for which I could never be consoled. Be watchful over your own life, which is threatened, and which will be dear to me, from the moment when I shall not be obliged to consider you as an enemy. Yours affection- ately, ANNE.” Buckingham roused all his fast-failing energies to listen to this letter; and when it was ended, as if he had experienced a bitter disappointment— “And have you nothing more to tell me—no verbal message, Laporte ?” demanded he. “ Yes, nly lord; the queen charged me to tell you te be upon your guard, for she had been warned that you were to be assassinated !”’ “ And is that all—is that all?’ resumed Buckingham, impatiently. ' “She charged me also to tell you that she always | loved you,” , “Ah!” said Buckingham. ‘God be praised! My death, then, will not be to her as the death of, — stranger | ’’ * Patrick,” continued the duke, “ bring me the casket which contained the diamond studs.”’ Patrick brought the object he demanded, which La- porte recognized as having belonged to the queen, “Now the white satin bag on which her ijaitials are embroidered in pearls.” [GOmiIcooo Gon