Snowball

J. Weyman Stanley

Description

Sometimes, a seemingly trivial turn of events can spiral into a huge mess. That's exactly what happens in Stanley J. Weyman's story "The Snowball," in which a casually tossed clod of ice and snow sets off an international incident. Packed with political intrigue from start to finish, fans of fast-paced historical fiction will thoroughly enjoy it.

Sujets

• Short story

Informations

• Publié par: The Floating Press
• Date de parution: 01 avril 2012
• Nombre de lectures: 0
• EAN13: 9781775457909
• Langue: English

Extrait

THE SNOWBALL
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STANLEY J. WEYMAN
 
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The Snowball First published in 1895 ISBN 978-1-77545-790-9 © 2012 The Floating Press and its licensors. All rights reserved. While every effort has been used to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information contained in The Floating Press edition of this book, The Floating Press does not assume liability or responsibility for any errors or omissions in this book. The Floating Press does not accept responsibility for loss suffered as a result of reliance upon the accuracy or currency of information contained in this book. Do not use while operating a motor vehicle or heavy equipment. Many suitcases look alike. Visit www.thefloatingpress.com
The Snowball
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The slight indisposition from which the Queen suffered in the springof 1602, and which was occasioned by a cold caught during herlying-in, by diverting the King's attention from matters of State, hadthe effect of doubling the burden cast on my shoulders. Though themain threads of M. de Biron's conspiracy were in our hands as early asthe month of November of the preceding year, and steps had beenimmediately taken to sound the chief associates by summoning them tocourt, an interval necessarily followed during which we had everythingto fear; and this not only from the despair of the guilty, but fromthe timidity of the innocent who, in a court filled with cabals andrumors of intrigues, might see no way to clear themselves. Even theshows and interludes which followed the Dauphin's birth, and made thatChristmas remarkable, served only to amuse the idle; they could notdisperse the cloud which hung over the Louvre, nor divert those who,on the one side or the other, had aught to fear.
In connection with this period of suspense I recall an episode, bothcharacteristic in itself, and worthy, I think, by reason of itsoddity, to be set down here; where it may serve for a preface to thosemore serious events, attending the trial and execution of M. de Biron,which I shall have presently to relate.
I had occasion, about the end of the month of January, to see M. duHallot. The weather was cold, and partly for that reason, partly froma desire to keep my visit, which had to do with La Fin's disclosures,from the general eye, I chose to go on foot. For the same reason Itook with me only two armed servants, and a confidential page, the sonof my friend Arnaud. M. du Hallot, who lived at this time in a housein the Faubourg St. Germain, not far from the College of France,detained me long, and when I rose to leave insisted that I should takehis coach, as snow had begun to fall and already lay an inch deep inthe streets. At first I was unwilling to do this, but reflecting thatsuch small services are highly appreciated by those who render them,and attach men more surely and subtly than the greatest bribes, Ifinally consented, and, taking my place with some becomingexpressions, bade young Arnaud find his way home on foot.
The coach had nearly reached the south end of the Pont au Change, whena number of youths ran by me, pelting one another with snowballs, andshouting so lustily that I was at a loss which to admire more—thesilence of their feet or the loudness of their voices. Aware that ladsof that age are small respecters of persons, I was not surprised tosee two or three of them rush on to the bridge before us, and evencontinue their Parthian warfare under the very feet of the horses.