| OCR Text |
Show 148 THE LI LY AXD TilE TOTElt. it just as welL The npronr of wimlM and St"as ncYcr troubles mo. If it docs, it is only to lull me into sleep again. I am a philosopher without knowing it, and by accident. Dut come-we must part." The chamber of D'Erlach was in the same building with that of Laudonuicrc. They slept in adjoining nparhncuts. D'Erlach purposely made some noise in approaching his, o.nd Laudonnicro cried out, "Who is there ?-Alphonso ?" "Tho snmc, sir." 11 Como in-where have you been at thi! hour i is it not very late?" " Almost time for waking-an hour probably from dawn, though I know not exactly. But, suffer me to extinguish this light. W 0 can talk as well in the dark." " What have you to say ?" demanded Laudonniero, half rising at this preliminary. \. "I have been getting some new lessons in chess from old Marchnnd." " Ah ! what new lesson ?" nsked L audonnicrc, whose pnssiot1. for tho game had prompted D'Erlnch with the suggestion he made usc of. "I\[a.rchnnd, sir, is n. most wonderful player. I have seen a great mnny persons skilled at the game, not to spcnk of yourself, and I am sure there is no one who can staod him. He absolutely laughs at my opposition. I wish you could play with him, sir." "I should like it, Alphonse," replied the other, "but you know my position. 'fhis man, 1\fnrcband, is a turbu!E'mt person ; ~>carcely respectful kl me, and, if there be, as you think, a conspiru: y on foot against mo, he is at t.hc ho:W of it, be sure." TilE CONSPIRACY OF LE CE,Rt. 149 "Not so;" said the other, quietly, but decisively j "not so. His bluntness is that of an honest man. His turbulence is that. of self-esteem. He is above a base action, and, secure in his own character, he defies the scrutiny of superiority. I think you mistake l1im ; at all events it is necessary that you should know l1im in chess. I am anxious to sec you and him in conflict; nod, if you will permit me, he slmll bring his own men -for he will play with no other-he has his notions on tho point.-bcrc, to-morrow night, when you wiU discover that he is not only a great player but a good fellow." "You arc n. singular person, Alphonse ;" said Laudonniere, smiling. " What should put chess inkl your head at such a time, particularly when you s:1.y there is such danger ?" " The man who can play chcs.~ when danger threatens is tho very man to disco\'er it; and the conspirator is never more likely to become resolved in his purpose than when he finds his destined victim in a state of anxiety. I should rather my enemy sec me at chess-provided I can soc him-than thnt be should find me putting my arms in readiness. They may be conveniently under the table, while the chess-board is upon it ; and while I am moving my pawn with one hand, I can prepare my pistol with the other. Dut, sir, with your further permis.'!ion, I will bring Chnllus and L c 1\loyne 00 sec the match. They arc both passionately fond of the game, and I~c i)loyne plays well, though noU1ing to compare either with yourself or Marchand." "Dy the way, Alphonse, how is Le ]Joync getting on with his pictures? It certainly was a strnnge idea of the Admiral, that of scud in; out, with such an expedition, painters of pictures and such persons. I can see the use of a mincralogi.st and botanist, but-these pninters !' |
