St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1883-04-28

cares of government are not soon likely
to rest upon my shoulders, broad
though they may be-
With smile he glanced at his stall
wart frame, which was acknowledged
to be one of the finest specimens OF
physical comeliness in the country, as
was his face called the handsomest OF
any Princes in Europe.
Rika courtesied respectfully, but did
not reply. s5s
If the gracious Prince chose thus to
address as an equal one OF the humblest
of his fathers subjects, she knew well
her position, and was to the full as
proud of her unsullied innocence and
integrity as the haughtiest maid in the
realm.
Her shy modesty added to her beauty
in Eric's eyes.
"Where liyest thou, Frederika?" he
asked, softly; :. forI would well like to
send thy father a commission to fell
some trees which much interfere with
the comfort of the Kings hunting par
ties in the forest. y
This he said, knowing intuitively
that it would startle Rika to give her
his true reason and say that he intend-
ed to start out himself in quest Of fairer
and more precious game which must
be ensnared in tenderer tolls than those
at command Of the keenest sportsman
at his fathers court.
After few words more he suffered
Rika to go. But the sweet memory OF
her presence went not with her. 1t
nestled deep within his heart.
After this interview, scarcely q week
passed that did not find Eric's steps
turned in the direction of the forester s
cottage.
A glass of milk, from Rika's own
white hands, was the draught most pre-
ferred by the royal hunter although
out of courtesy, he would sometimes ac-
cept 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 mer-
nv groups had dispersed to their various
homes, with the understanding that
they should meet again the next day
and 60 together to the palace and dis
| pose of their treasures.
The next morning found them on
their way, dressed in their best, as be-
came so eyentful an occasion in their
usually monotonous lives; for royalty
had such a glamor to uninitiated eyes
| that the mere sight of the walls which
shut it in is eagerly coveted.
It was pretty sight to any one who
might have been stationed at the win
dow, to see that blooming procession OF
| neatly dressed lads and lasses, as they
wendell their way along with many a
merry laugh and jest, until at last they
| halted in the great square before the
palace.
But to the watching eyes of the
Prince had received a hint of the
coming of the gatherers-there was
| but one face worth looking at among
| the throng.
Come he said to the courtiers
| who were standing near. ''let us 60
down to the square in a body and make
the hearts of yon merry rustics even
merrier to-day by exchanging some
coins for the nuts they have with them. y
| A 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.
Eric's steps were turned at once to-
| wards Rika.
He soon possessed himself of her nuts;
and after paying for them lavishly in
golden coin, he took from an inner
| pocket a locket and chain, which he
gave to her, saying:
| "Wear it for my sake. There is nc
one who would look fairer in it. You
ought to be a Queen, little Rika, and
will yet make you one. =
Before Rika had time to realize aught
but that his words had filed her heart
with a bewildering sense of happiness,
he had gone, his gift alone remaining
to prove that she had not been dream.
ing.
senses.
It was well known that King Gus
tavus had been holding negotiations
with the maiden Queen of England. te
/ induce her to bestow her jeweled hane
upon his elder son, and it had reached
Rika's ears.
i Such thing had. been known as {
maid of low degree being wooed ant
won by a royal sutton. The tale o
Grisel's happiness, and Of her woes a
well, was faYorite one among thu
folk-stories told around the humbl,
hearths Of the peasantry; and if fat
had ordained it to happen to her also
Rika would have been as glad and prout
maiden as ever the sun had shone on
But she would listen to no words of low
from one whose hand was as good a
given to another.
Thus she thought as she walked slowl,.
homeward.
I So the next day little barefootet