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Article The Vision of Evil. A Story of Old Paris. ← Page 4 of 7 Article The Vision of Evil. A Story of Old Paris. Page 4 of 7 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Vision Of Evil. A Story Of Old Paris.
admittance be denied , you must force an entry at all risks and without loss of time convey a young girl , the only one there by the way , with all possible speed to a house near at hand , where I or my servant Andre will be in waiting to receive her . The latter place is situated in lc Rue—"
" Pardon me , monsieur , for interrupting you , " abruptly said " le Serpent ;'' " bin with all due deference , I think that yon must be cither a fool or a madman to believe thai three men in broad daylight arc lo enter a house in all probability by force , bear away a . struggling woman , thread the . streets unopposed by the dense masses of people who are sure to be abroad on that evening and finally to place her in yonr safe custody . "
"N'impnr . ' e . my cunning 'Snake , impatiently cried the " Chevalier , " whilst a smile of deep meaning passed over his swarthyface . "Believe me , there is not the slig htest , grounds for fear . Listen , upon the eve of that hereafter ever-to-be-remembered-day , that Festival which is piousl y set apart by Holy Mother Church , in honour of Saint Barthclcmi—peace to his soul ! " and here he crossed
himself devoutly , " such wonderful events will come to pass that in the universal excitement the populace will not deign to pay any attention to your respective movements . If you were to attempt the abduction at the present moment , I grant you , that you would undoubtedly be summarily seat to your last account without benefit of clergy . "
Well , well , good monsieur , ' respectfully said "leRenard , " " we will leave the matter entirely to you . All ! can say is—and I am sure my brethren are or the same opinion—that provided the money is certain , the way clear , and sure means given us for concealment afterwards , that we will to the best of our power faithfully carry out the abduction . "
" By the Saint ! stoutly and fairly reasoned , my friend , " cried the unmasked , in tones of evident satisfaction . " Now , draw your chairs nearer to the fire , and I will put you in possession of every detail in connection with both matters . " Having complied with the first part of his request , the masks eagerly disposed themselves to listen to his villainous communications . Thus darkly engaged in plotting crimes we will leave the " Chevalier " and his miscreants and change the scene .
CHAPTER III .
Louise de Chantville perceiving that her lover was determined upon having his own way , gave at last a relnctant assent to the following ' plan . On the 21 th of the month she was to repair to the house of her fiance , accompanied by her faithfnl companion old Jeanne . Upon their arrival they were to disguise themselves in order to prevent recognition during their subsequent passage
through the city . Upon tho supposition that they succeeded in getting safely beyond the gates of Paris , they were io make all convenient speed towards an estate belonging to D'Ai'cy , and situate some thirty miles distant , there to be united in the bonds of wedlock by a Huguenot pastor , who had been the spiritual adviser of young Francis for many years . Our hero having thus settled
matters entirely io his satisfaction , bade his beloved an affectionate farewell , and with eyes sparkling , cheeks flushing , steps buoyant , and his whole demeanour happy in the extreme , gaily pursued the way towards his lodgings , which were situate in the Rue de la Reine , pausing ever and anon to give way to reflections of the most agreeable nature . By this time the evening was getting far
advanced , the few oil lamps which at that period were wont to cast a glimmering , uncertain light over the dark alleys and courts of tho city were just lit . The streets were almost deserted of wayfarers and as Francis passed the numerons drinking houses , sounds of boisterous re \ elry , occasionally accompanied by groans , shrieks and curses , stole into the calm night air causing many a solitary
wanderer ' s ruddy cheek to grow pale , and who , upon gaining some quiet locality , fervently thanked the saints for having delivered him from danger , and from hearing a repetition of such unpleasant outcries . Scarcely had D'Arcy gained a dozen yards in advance of Madame Estelle ' s dwelling when three masked men with vigilant strides quitted a dark portal which had given ( hem concealment , and
darted forward with evident intention of following in the steps of the young gallant . Upon his reaching a dork , unfrequented street which he had chosen on account of its being b y far the nearest way for him ( o reach his abode , he suddenly paused , for he fancied tha ' f he heard the sound of footsteps cautiously approaching . Drawing his sword he turned and in a loud resolute voice demanded , "Who is
there . " No answer being returned and the footfalls having ceased , lie imagined that he had been deceived , lie then . sheathed his weapon , and , with a light laugh continued on his way . lie had just arrived at the end of the street when flic three l-uflians sprang upon him with drawn swords and endeavoured to cut him down . Taken at such a cowardly disadvantage it . was not sin-prising' that he for ; i
momi'iil succumbed , but it was only lor an instant , as with n nn ' ghfv e . 'Tort of strength he hurled the nearest bravo lo the ground , anil before the other assailants could do him any injury or follow up the slig ht advantage they had gained hy their sudden attack , his bright SAord flashed from its sheath and he commenced to plav with skill
on the guarded weapons of the discomfited trio . However , it soon proved to be terrible work , for although the assailed possessed every cunning trick of fence , yet his adversaries on the other hand rejoiced in greater strength and the advantage which the superiority of numbers gave .
The Vision Of Evil. A Story Of Old Paris.
How long this very unequal contest would have lasted it is impossible to say , but an unexpected turn was given to the aspect of affairs b y the sudden appearance of a sturdy young fellow , who , uttering a cheering cry of " Au sccours ! " ranged himself by the side of D'Arcy and immediatel y engaged two of the most energetic of the masks . This was a proceeding they did not appear to relish . After all , your paid assassins or bullies are but a set of curs when iiny bold resistance is made by their intended victims .
This opinion was fully manifested in the present instance , for the villains perceiving that they were no match in science for the gallants , with muttered curses of defeat , turned andflcdpusillanimonsly . They , however , did not escape unscathed , for one of them had his mask , but which was infinitel y worse , his face entirely cut across by the stranger , whilst the others received several flesh wounds from D'Arcy ' s sword .
"By my grandsire ' s soul' ! a pack of scurvy , cowardl y knaves , " exclaimed the new comer , sheathing his rapier . " Parhleul to think that three stalwart bullies , evidently in possession of a vast amount of brute strength , should in a trice turn tail and flee before two such striplings as we . I believe that one of the disreputable trio will to
the end of his life , and which career , I trust , will soon be cut short by the hangman ' s rope or the headsman ' s axe , carry a mark of lasting affection from the ed ge of my good Tolede . I verily think that I have spoilt his facial beaut y for ever , ha , ha , ha ! " and the speaker ' s musical laugh awoke the silent echoes of the street .
I deeply thank you , " said D'Arcy , "for the assistance you have so opportunel y rendered me . Had you not thus happily arrived and heedless of personal danger plunged into the fray to generously rescue me , the purpose of the vile marauders would doubtless ere this have been accomplished . "
" Pray , say no more about it , my good monsieur , " frankly replied the unknown , wiping the perspiration from his brow . "The mere fact of my being able to assist you in driving away three such imps of the devil , more than repays ine for any risk I rait in the encounter . May I ask your name ; " he added , " it mar . be familiar to me ? "
" Indeed yon may , " assented the other , heartil y extending his hand , and which was cordially grasped by his companion , "My name , " he continued , after a pause , " is not as yet known to fame , that is to say through me its degenerate possessor , but my ancestors hare made it gloriously conspicuous in the annals of France . The family of D'Arcy may perhaps be known to you , if its sole male representative , Francis is to you a stranger . "
" Your name and personality , good monsieur , aro both known to me , " eagerl y returned his hearer . " I have many times heard of your wit , your learning , your attachment to the arts , and your skill in all athletic exercises , which last qualification pleases me the most . I am proud in haying been of service to such an accomplished cavalier , for certes you bid fair to die with nil tho accumulated honours of a Bayard , and have inscribed on yonr tomb sans pettr el sans 7 'eproche . "
"You do me too mneh honour , monsieur , " modestly replied our hero , bowing . " Methinks report , has painted my humble skill too hig hly . But may I in return ask your name , which , if given , shall over be gratefully remembered ? " " As in your case , my worth y D'Arcy , the name of my famil y has been on the pinnacle of fame for ages , but the present possessoi
has not yet done much to keep up its ancient martial glory , lint the time will come , Hon Dienl it shall when , ma helle France in a manner shall feel she has a defender , perhaps a saviour in the person of yonr humble servant , whoso name at present is all that he holds most precious of Fortune . " " And that name is ? " quickly demanded the listener .
" Henri de Navarre , at your service , " was the quietreply . " I wish you good even , Monsieur Francois D'Arcy . " So saying , and without giving his astounded hearer time to recover from his surprise , the prince abruptly and with hosty strides quitted the spot and his fall , graceful form was soon lost in the gloom which appeared ( o hang pall-like over the streets lying
adjacent to the scene of the recent affray , As soon as our hero ' s astonishment had somewhat abated he wended his way homeward , ruminating upon the extraordinary circumstance that had introduced 1 im to the chilvalrie son of Anthony do Bourbon , the darling prince of the Bearneso , the favourite pupil of the accomplished Chretien , the disciple and friend of Coligni , and the newly-wedded husband of Marguerite de Yalois ,
upon reaching home D juvy changed Ins gay n (( ire to something more sober in aspect , and again sallied out to keep his appointment with his friend , who resided near the Louvre , with whom he transacted his business satisfactorily , and immediately returned ( o his residence , where he arrived without any further adventure . Having partaken of a slight refection , he hastily undressed and relived to rest , but unfortunately . Morpheus , the drowsy god , declined to be wooed .
\\ c will not worry the reader by recounting the various thoughts , hopes , fears , and anticipations which that ni ght agitated ( he mind of one expectant bridegroom , suffice it to say for the purposes of our story , that the sun was shining brightly into his chamber before sleep weighed down his eyelids . Even then his slumbers were
disturbed by alternate visions of happiness and misfortune . He awoke about < mid-day quite uiircfreshcd , and having partakan of a very meagre meal , he set about making the necessary preparations in furtherance of the important undertaking of the following night . In fact there were so many things to think about that the details
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Vision Of Evil. A Story Of Old Paris.
admittance be denied , you must force an entry at all risks and without loss of time convey a young girl , the only one there by the way , with all possible speed to a house near at hand , where I or my servant Andre will be in waiting to receive her . The latter place is situated in lc Rue—"
" Pardon me , monsieur , for interrupting you , " abruptly said " le Serpent ;'' " bin with all due deference , I think that yon must be cither a fool or a madman to believe thai three men in broad daylight arc lo enter a house in all probability by force , bear away a . struggling woman , thread the . streets unopposed by the dense masses of people who are sure to be abroad on that evening and finally to place her in yonr safe custody . "
"N'impnr . ' e . my cunning 'Snake , impatiently cried the " Chevalier , " whilst a smile of deep meaning passed over his swarthyface . "Believe me , there is not the slig htest , grounds for fear . Listen , upon the eve of that hereafter ever-to-be-remembered-day , that Festival which is piousl y set apart by Holy Mother Church , in honour of Saint Barthclcmi—peace to his soul ! " and here he crossed
himself devoutly , " such wonderful events will come to pass that in the universal excitement the populace will not deign to pay any attention to your respective movements . If you were to attempt the abduction at the present moment , I grant you , that you would undoubtedly be summarily seat to your last account without benefit of clergy . "
Well , well , good monsieur , ' respectfully said "leRenard , " " we will leave the matter entirely to you . All ! can say is—and I am sure my brethren are or the same opinion—that provided the money is certain , the way clear , and sure means given us for concealment afterwards , that we will to the best of our power faithfully carry out the abduction . "
" By the Saint ! stoutly and fairly reasoned , my friend , " cried the unmasked , in tones of evident satisfaction . " Now , draw your chairs nearer to the fire , and I will put you in possession of every detail in connection with both matters . " Having complied with the first part of his request , the masks eagerly disposed themselves to listen to his villainous communications . Thus darkly engaged in plotting crimes we will leave the " Chevalier " and his miscreants and change the scene .
CHAPTER III .
Louise de Chantville perceiving that her lover was determined upon having his own way , gave at last a relnctant assent to the following ' plan . On the 21 th of the month she was to repair to the house of her fiance , accompanied by her faithfnl companion old Jeanne . Upon their arrival they were to disguise themselves in order to prevent recognition during their subsequent passage
through the city . Upon tho supposition that they succeeded in getting safely beyond the gates of Paris , they were io make all convenient speed towards an estate belonging to D'Ai'cy , and situate some thirty miles distant , there to be united in the bonds of wedlock by a Huguenot pastor , who had been the spiritual adviser of young Francis for many years . Our hero having thus settled
matters entirely io his satisfaction , bade his beloved an affectionate farewell , and with eyes sparkling , cheeks flushing , steps buoyant , and his whole demeanour happy in the extreme , gaily pursued the way towards his lodgings , which were situate in the Rue de la Reine , pausing ever and anon to give way to reflections of the most agreeable nature . By this time the evening was getting far
advanced , the few oil lamps which at that period were wont to cast a glimmering , uncertain light over the dark alleys and courts of tho city were just lit . The streets were almost deserted of wayfarers and as Francis passed the numerons drinking houses , sounds of boisterous re \ elry , occasionally accompanied by groans , shrieks and curses , stole into the calm night air causing many a solitary
wanderer ' s ruddy cheek to grow pale , and who , upon gaining some quiet locality , fervently thanked the saints for having delivered him from danger , and from hearing a repetition of such unpleasant outcries . Scarcely had D'Arcy gained a dozen yards in advance of Madame Estelle ' s dwelling when three masked men with vigilant strides quitted a dark portal which had given ( hem concealment , and
darted forward with evident intention of following in the steps of the young gallant . Upon his reaching a dork , unfrequented street which he had chosen on account of its being b y far the nearest way for him ( o reach his abode , he suddenly paused , for he fancied tha ' f he heard the sound of footsteps cautiously approaching . Drawing his sword he turned and in a loud resolute voice demanded , "Who is
there . " No answer being returned and the footfalls having ceased , lie imagined that he had been deceived , lie then . sheathed his weapon , and , with a light laugh continued on his way . lie had just arrived at the end of the street when flic three l-uflians sprang upon him with drawn swords and endeavoured to cut him down . Taken at such a cowardly disadvantage it . was not sin-prising' that he for ; i
momi'iil succumbed , but it was only lor an instant , as with n nn ' ghfv e . 'Tort of strength he hurled the nearest bravo lo the ground , anil before the other assailants could do him any injury or follow up the slig ht advantage they had gained hy their sudden attack , his bright SAord flashed from its sheath and he commenced to plav with skill
on the guarded weapons of the discomfited trio . However , it soon proved to be terrible work , for although the assailed possessed every cunning trick of fence , yet his adversaries on the other hand rejoiced in greater strength and the advantage which the superiority of numbers gave .
The Vision Of Evil. A Story Of Old Paris.
How long this very unequal contest would have lasted it is impossible to say , but an unexpected turn was given to the aspect of affairs b y the sudden appearance of a sturdy young fellow , who , uttering a cheering cry of " Au sccours ! " ranged himself by the side of D'Arcy and immediatel y engaged two of the most energetic of the masks . This was a proceeding they did not appear to relish . After all , your paid assassins or bullies are but a set of curs when iiny bold resistance is made by their intended victims .
This opinion was fully manifested in the present instance , for the villains perceiving that they were no match in science for the gallants , with muttered curses of defeat , turned andflcdpusillanimonsly . They , however , did not escape unscathed , for one of them had his mask , but which was infinitel y worse , his face entirely cut across by the stranger , whilst the others received several flesh wounds from D'Arcy ' s sword .
"By my grandsire ' s soul' ! a pack of scurvy , cowardl y knaves , " exclaimed the new comer , sheathing his rapier . " Parhleul to think that three stalwart bullies , evidently in possession of a vast amount of brute strength , should in a trice turn tail and flee before two such striplings as we . I believe that one of the disreputable trio will to
the end of his life , and which career , I trust , will soon be cut short by the hangman ' s rope or the headsman ' s axe , carry a mark of lasting affection from the ed ge of my good Tolede . I verily think that I have spoilt his facial beaut y for ever , ha , ha , ha ! " and the speaker ' s musical laugh awoke the silent echoes of the street .
I deeply thank you , " said D'Arcy , "for the assistance you have so opportunel y rendered me . Had you not thus happily arrived and heedless of personal danger plunged into the fray to generously rescue me , the purpose of the vile marauders would doubtless ere this have been accomplished . "
" Pray , say no more about it , my good monsieur , " frankly replied the unknown , wiping the perspiration from his brow . "The mere fact of my being able to assist you in driving away three such imps of the devil , more than repays ine for any risk I rait in the encounter . May I ask your name ; " he added , " it mar . be familiar to me ? "
" Indeed yon may , " assented the other , heartil y extending his hand , and which was cordially grasped by his companion , "My name , " he continued , after a pause , " is not as yet known to fame , that is to say through me its degenerate possessor , but my ancestors hare made it gloriously conspicuous in the annals of France . The family of D'Arcy may perhaps be known to you , if its sole male representative , Francis is to you a stranger . "
" Your name and personality , good monsieur , aro both known to me , " eagerl y returned his hearer . " I have many times heard of your wit , your learning , your attachment to the arts , and your skill in all athletic exercises , which last qualification pleases me the most . I am proud in haying been of service to such an accomplished cavalier , for certes you bid fair to die with nil tho accumulated honours of a Bayard , and have inscribed on yonr tomb sans pettr el sans 7 'eproche . "
"You do me too mneh honour , monsieur , " modestly replied our hero , bowing . " Methinks report , has painted my humble skill too hig hly . But may I in return ask your name , which , if given , shall over be gratefully remembered ? " " As in your case , my worth y D'Arcy , the name of my famil y has been on the pinnacle of fame for ages , but the present possessoi
has not yet done much to keep up its ancient martial glory , lint the time will come , Hon Dienl it shall when , ma helle France in a manner shall feel she has a defender , perhaps a saviour in the person of yonr humble servant , whoso name at present is all that he holds most precious of Fortune . " " And that name is ? " quickly demanded the listener .
" Henri de Navarre , at your service , " was the quietreply . " I wish you good even , Monsieur Francois D'Arcy . " So saying , and without giving his astounded hearer time to recover from his surprise , the prince abruptly and with hosty strides quitted the spot and his fall , graceful form was soon lost in the gloom which appeared ( o hang pall-like over the streets lying
adjacent to the scene of the recent affray , As soon as our hero ' s astonishment had somewhat abated he wended his way homeward , ruminating upon the extraordinary circumstance that had introduced 1 im to the chilvalrie son of Anthony do Bourbon , the darling prince of the Bearneso , the favourite pupil of the accomplished Chretien , the disciple and friend of Coligni , and the newly-wedded husband of Marguerite de Yalois ,
upon reaching home D juvy changed Ins gay n (( ire to something more sober in aspect , and again sallied out to keep his appointment with his friend , who resided near the Louvre , with whom he transacted his business satisfactorily , and immediately returned ( o his residence , where he arrived without any further adventure . Having partaken of a slight refection , he hastily undressed and relived to rest , but unfortunately . Morpheus , the drowsy god , declined to be wooed .
\\ c will not worry the reader by recounting the various thoughts , hopes , fears , and anticipations which that ni ght agitated ( he mind of one expectant bridegroom , suffice it to say for the purposes of our story , that the sun was shining brightly into his chamber before sleep weighed down his eyelids . Even then his slumbers were
disturbed by alternate visions of happiness and misfortune . He awoke about < mid-day quite uiircfreshcd , and having partakan of a very meagre meal , he set about making the necessary preparations in furtherance of the important undertaking of the following night . In fact there were so many things to think about that the details