D'Artagnan, the King Maker — page 322: what you’re looking at

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

The True King. 303 glow. “Unfortunately, while we can dispose of hands, we cannot bias hearts!” “T understand,” said the sovereign, with pretended sor- row and regret. “The King of Portugal is not going to be a tyrant. He may dispose of the kingdom’s treasure for its weal, its enlightenment and its defense, but never will he utter an order to suggest that he ruled over slaves whose lives and liberty and happiness were at his beck. Don Luis, you are in love. Love has a realm of his own —over his subjects | have no control!” “Love!” repeated D’Artagnan, with his eyes twinkling, “T am not swayed by love! Sire, since I set foot in the Peninsula, I have been tormented by a demon—one [| could never shake off! I wished to be a rigid soldier, a sage statesman in good time, losing no hour in caprices and even tender elegancies that the ladies like. “This unearthly creature has made me do the contrary! It has glided through walls and fastened doors to bemuse my wits, make me renounce my vows as to celibacy, risk my soul, and blot out my future of an old soldier’s cell in the Military Monks’ Hospital !” His mock remorse drew a smile out on every counte- nance. “This spirit is the more dangerous as its form is that of a charming, intellectual and adorable woman!” “Yet you love her?” queried the king and his consort, in the same breath. “Love her, a demon?” ejaculated D’Artagnan, return- ing an imploring, but facetious glance upon the prelates interspersed with the courtiers, “I must hate her! and if I would endeavor to chain her with wedlock, it is because I could avenge myself upon her—leisurely, you under- stand; as the Italians—epicures in the matter, say: ‘Re- venge is a dish to be eaten cold!’ “Are you sure it is a demon?” asked the queen. “Tt is outlawed by the church—proof positive! It isa waive !” A shudder ran through the assemblage, and some of the ladies left a wide space around Donna Jacinta. A church dignitary, old and reverend, whispered with the king. “Tt is evident,” said the latter, solemnly, “that a waive should not be permitted any longer to wander up and Gomicbooks (€(0) im