'Farewell, then,' said the Baron, wringing the minister's hand, and

adding, almost to himself, 'Alas! I am weary of these shifts!' and

weary indeed he seemed, for as the ground became so steep that the

beck danced noisily down its channel, he could not keep up the

needful speed, but paused, gasping for breath, with his hand on his

side. 'Beranger was off his pony in an instant, assuring Follet

that it ought to be proud to be ridden by his father, and exhaling

his own exultant feelings in caresses to the animal as it gallantly

breasted the hill. The little boy had never been so commended

before! He loved his father exceedingly; but the Baron, while ever

just towards him, was grave and strict to a degree that the ideas

even of the sixteenth century regarded as severe. Little Eustacie

with her lovely face, her irrepressible saucy grace and audacious

coaxing, was the only creature to whom he ever showed much

indulgence and tenderness, and even that seemed almost against his

will and conscience. His son was always under rule, often blamed,

and scarcely ever praised; but it was a hardy vigorous nature, and

respectful love throve under the system that would have crushed or

alienated a different disposition. It was not till the party had

emerged from the wood upon a stubble field, where a covey of

partridges flew up, and to Beranger's rapturous delight furnished a

victim for Ysonde, that M. de Ribaumont dismounted from the pony,

and walking towards home, called his son to his side, and asked him

how he had learnt the intentions of the Count and the Chevalier.

Beranger explained how Eustacie had come to warn him, and also told

what she had said of Diane de Ribaumont, who had lately, by her

father's request, spent a few weeks at the chateau with her

cousins.

'My son,' said the Baron, 'it is hard to ask of babes caution and

secrecy; but I must know from thee what thy cousin may have heard

of our doings?'

'I cannot tell, father,' replied Beranger; 'we played more than we

talked. Yet, Monsieur, you will not be angry with Eustacie if I

tell you what she said to me to-day?'

'Assuredly not, my son.'

'She said that her father would take her away if he knew what M. le

Baron read, and what he sung.'

'Thou hast done well to tell me, my son. Thinkest thou that this

comes from Diane, or from one of the servants?'

'Oh, from Diane, my father; none of the servants would dare to say

such a thing.'




readonlinefreebook.com Copyright 2016 - 2024