The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1883-04-27


though they may be-"
With smile he glanced At his stall
wart frame, which was acknowledged
% 30 one Of the finest specimens Of
physical comelness in the country, "a
was his face called the handsomest Of
any Princes in Europe.
kika courtesied respectfully. but did
not reply.
II the gracious Prince chose thus 10
address as an equal one OF the humblest
Of his fathers subjects. she knew well
her position, and was TO the full rs
proud Of her unsullicd innocence and
integrity As the haughtiest maid in the
realm.
Her shy modesty added to her beauty
in Eric's eyes.
Where livest thou. FrcderikaP" he
asked. softly; flor would well like To
send thy father commission 10 fell
some trees which much interfere with
the comfort Of the Kings hunting par
ties in the forest"
This he said. knowing intuitively
that il would startle Rika to give her
his true reason and say that he intend
ed 70 start out himself in quest Of fairer
and more precious game which must
be ensnared in tendercr tolls than those
at command Of the keenest sportsman
at his fathers court.
After a few words more he suffered
Rika 10 60. But the sweet memory Of
her presence went not with her. 1t
nestled deep within his heart.
After this interview. scarcely week
49, -
turned in the direction Of the forester's
cottage.
A glass Of milk, from Rika's own
white hands. was the draught most pre-
ferrcd by the royal hunter although
out Of courtesy. he would sometimes ac-
cept q mug Of mead from the sturdy
old father.
Matters were in this stage at the time
our story opens.
The nuts were gathered. and the mcr-
~ groups had dispersed 20 their various
homes, with the understanding that
they should meet again the next day
and 20 together TO the palace and dis
pose oftheir treasures.
their way. dressed in their best, as be-
came 50 eyentful an occasion in tLeir
usually monotonous lives; for royalty
had such glamor 70 uninitiated eyes
that the mere sight Of the walls which
shut II in is eagerly coveted.
II was pretty sight 10 any one who
might have been stationed at the win
dow. to see that blooming procession Of
neatly dressed lads and lasses. as they
wendcl their way along with many a
merry laugh and jest. until AZ last they
halted in the great square before the
palace.
But 10 the watching eyes Of the
Prince who had received hint 81 the
coming 81 the -gathcrcrs--t there was
but one face worth looking At among
the throng.
Come he said to the courtiers
who were standing near. ''let is 60
down 10 the square in body and make
the hearts Of yon merry rustics even
merricr to-day BY exchanging some
coins for the nuts they have with them. "
Princes suggestion never lacks for
listeners. nor for followers. and soon
the rich toilettes of the court people
were scattered about amidst the crowd
IN the square.
Fries steps were turned at once to-
wards Rika.
He soon possessed himself Of her nuts;
and after paying for them layishly i'm
golden coin. NJ took from m inner
pocket locket and chain, which he
gave 70 her. saying:
Wear II for my sake. There is no
one who would look fairer in Il. You
ought 70 be q Queen, little Rika, and !
will vet make YOU one"
Before Rika had time 10 realize aught
but that bis words had filed her heart
with bewildcring sense Of happiness.
Ne had gone. his Gift alone remaining
70 prove that she had not been dream
ing.
But she soon came 70 her sober
senses.
II was well known that King Gus
tavus had been holding negotiations
with the maiden Queen Of England, to
induce her to bestow her jeweled hand
upon his elder son. and IL had reached
Rka's ears.
Such thing had been known as
maid Of low degree being woocd and
won BY royal sutton. The tale Of
Griscl's happiness. and Of her woes q
we'll, was = fayoritc one among the
folk-stories told around the humble
hcarths Of the peasantry; and II fate
had ordained II to happen 70 her also,
Rika would have been a. glad and proud
maiden As ever the sun had shone on.
But she would listen 70 no words Of love
from one whose hand was as good IS
given 70 another.
Thus she thought as she walked slowly
bomcward.
50 the next day little barcfooted
boy the child Of . neighboring farmer
was sent TO the palace BY Rika with
Prince Eric's gift, carefully tied up In .
piece Of linen cloth cut from the corner
II q web which she herself had woven