Louisiana capitolian. (Baton Rouge, La.) 1879-1881, 1881-04-07

ing, and that litters should Do sent out
to bring IN the dead bodies Of Ills bench
men. The earl himself rose trembling
from bed and came to welcome bis royal
master, fearful that suspicion might fall
on him, since the attack had happened
in his woods. Roland, ut the monarcll's
request, did notappcar at this interview,
but sought the old chamber he had oecu-
pied when page, for it was In that en-
pacity, and in the Dalton Castle, as, tho
reader inay'have guessed ere this, TINT
be had won the Lady Elizabeth's heart.
The next day the castle was thronged
with anxious courtiers, who, having
heard Of Edwards peril, had ridden
down from London to congratulate the
king on his escape. l'nt twas not un-
til the sun was high IN heaven that the
monarch appeared, for he had slept
long after his fatigue, aud had snbse-
quently been closeted, in secret, with his
host At last, however, no entered tho
great hall, amid the acclamations Of his
subjects, who crowded around to testify
their Loyalty.
"All cxccllently we'll" jestipgly said
the king; glad to see your king safe,
have no doubt, though be owes nothing
toyonr good swords for being so. But
make way, lords and gentlemen, for here
comes the Lady Elizabeth, queenof heart
and beauty, whose cspousaI you are
happily present to witness"
As he spoke, the earl's daughter en-
tered the hall, richly attired, and at-
tended by long train ofnnidcns. Never
had she looked 50 lovely. II was APP
parent that she was, at least, no un-
willing bride, for never conld n luster
SO sweet fill the eyes, nor smile so happy
wreathe the lips of one forced to the
altar.
"My Lord Of Dalton said the king,
turning to her father, prond but timd
nobleman, whose whole life had been
consumed in accommodating wealth and
trimming between York and Lancaster
sit is with yonr free consent, ] believe
that You give your daughter away to
the good earl in whose favor / have
asked hen hand, yoncliing that his
lineage isndble in all respects, and that
his broad acres equal your daughters
dowry."
ut is, my lcge," said he, bowling
low. "iour majesty had but TO name
the boon, and | accorded il at once,
being eager to testify my love to your
house and my loyalty to the throne"
''Stand forth then, Roland, Earl Of
Langleat," said the king, advancing
and having his hand on the shoulder OF
Our hero, who had hitherto stood IN the
back ground. Receive your BRIDE
and with these words he placed the
hand Of the Lady Elizabeth in that Of
Roland. "Now both Of ye kueel to my
Lord OF Dalton, and ask his patcrnal
blessing"
| From the start of the old earl il was
evident that he had been kept in igno-
rance Of the fact that il was his former
page who was to we'd his daughter. In
truth the monarch, who over loved q
jest, had purposcly concealed it.
'But, my liegc,' at last stammercd
the old earl, still drawing back and
gazing in a'nazement from the pair to
the monarch, and then from the mon
arch to the pair This Isl my own page
who left ne not u twclvemonth ago
no knight, much less belted earl"
"Knight and bclted earl both" said
the monarch, laughing, "and holding
of me, by my free gift, broad manors
that once were his ancestors. and which
! have coniiscated from the Lancastrian
thieves who disposscssed the old Bobcms
whose home and blood he inherits.
Nay, sir earl, put good grace on the
affair, and bless them; don't you see
the Lady Elizabeth IL nothing 10th
Remember, ! have your promise. All
the conditions are fulfilled on my part.
Thus pressed, the old noble blessed the
youthful couple, though with q dubius
and concerned look. rs he fancicd there
was some trick about it; for he could
not, as yet. realize the sudden change
which had occurred in Rolmd's fortune.
But the next words Of the king revealed
all to his bewildered mind.
"And now, lords and gentlemen" said
the monarch: taking the youthful pairin
either hand, and advancing to the front
OF the dais, .'let me introduce You to the
Lady Elizabeth Dalton, loyellest Of hei
sex. and to her espoused husband. Sin
Roland Bohem, Earl Of Langleat peer