Belle-Rose — page 148: what you’re looking at

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

oe oY 2 ya ie, ot ey = - - a . eae WHEAT AND TARES. 13% opinion of the character of Monsieur de Naucrais. An ordinary man does not inspire such devotion. But every- thing must give way to discipline. In spite of your prayer, I regret to repeat to you that Captain de Naucrais will be shot at daybreak to-morrow.’’ Monsieur de Luxembourg, with a noble gesture, saluted Belle-Rose, but the lieutenant did not budge. The duke - frowned. ‘‘T thought I had explained myself clearly, monsieur,”’ said he. ‘‘Pardon me, monseigneur, if I insist, but——”’ ‘‘Ah! Monsieur Belle-Rose, I did not wish to grow | offended at your audacity; buta longer insistence will oblige me to recollect who you are and who I am.”’ Belle-Rose smiled sadly. ‘‘May you do so, then, if the recollection of the distance between us recalls to you that you can accomplish a good ~ action, and that I can only ask one of you.”’ Monsieur de Luxembourg repressed a gesture of impa- tience. ‘‘Since you do not wish to understand me, permit me, monsieur, to call for some one to reconduct you to the quarters of the artillery.’’ As he concluded these words, the duke approached the table to pick up the little bell, but Belle-Rose anticipated his movement, and rushing to the table, he seized the general’s hand. ‘“Through pity, monseigneur!’’ said he. A flash of anger lit up the eyes of Monsieur de Luxem- bourg; he quickly disengaged himself, and with one hand seizing Belle-Rose by the lapel of his coat, with the other he took a pistol which he pressed against his breast. The hammer fell, but the priming alone burned, and the duke, rendéred furious, threw the weapon upon the floor. Nota muscle of Belle-Rose’s face quivered. But Monsieur de Luxembourg had Jeaned forward. The violence of his movement had partly opened Belle-Rose’s clothing, and upon the half-naked breast of the lieutenant shone a gold medallion suspended by a silk cord. The general’s hand took possession of it. ‘‘Where did you get this medallion?’’ he exclaimed, in a quick tone. ‘‘T found it, monseigneur,”’ ‘“Wherer’’ ‘At St. Omer,’’ “When?” _ (E(oy payiicel exe Ko) <S Eo