Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1884-02-07

/ VI hts iathfi suAItNt7f F"N h''" 49,
her position, and was 10 the full rs proud
of her unsullied innocence and integri-
ty as the haughtiest maiden in the land.
Her shy modesty added to her beauty
in Erics eyes.
'whcre lvest thou, Frederika y he
asked, softly "for 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
This he said knowing intut'yely that
it would startle Rlka TO give her his
true reason and say that he intended to
start out himself in quest Of faircr and
more precious game, which must be en-
shared in tenderer tolls than those at
the command of the kocuest sportsman
At his fathcr's court.
After few words more ne suffered
Rika to 20. But the sweet memory Of
her presence went not with her II
nestled deep within his heart.
After this interview scarcely week
passed that did not find Eric. steps
turned in the direction of the fore.ter's
cottage.
4 glas, of milk from Rilsa'- own
white hands was the draught preferred
by tho royal hunter-although, out Of
courtesy, he would sometimes accept a
mug of mead from the sturdy old
father.
Matters were in this state at the time
our story opens.
The nuts were gathered, aud tie
merry group had dispersed to their
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 80 eyentfIl an occasion in their
usually monotonous lives for royalty
had such glamor to uninitiated ey,s
that the mere sight of the walls which
shut it in is eagerly coveted.
1t was a pretty sight to any one who
might have been stationed at the win.
dow, to sec that blooming procession Of
neatly dres .cd lads and las-es, as they
wended 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
who had received hint Of the com.
ing of the nut. gathercrs there was but
one face worth looking at among the
throng.
"Come," he said to the courtiers who
were standing near. 'let Us 90 down TO
the square in body and make the
hearts Of yon merry rustics even mcr'
rier to day by exchanging some coins
Tor the nuts they have with them"
A princes suggestion never lacks for
listener, nor for followers, and soon the
rich toilettcs Of the court people were
scattered about amidst the crowd in the
square.
Eric. steps we're 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 q locket and chain, Rhich he
gave 70 her SAYING
swear it for my sake. There IS no
one who would look fairpr in It. You
ought 10 he queen, little Riks, and |
will yet make you one
Before Rika had time to realize aught
but that bis words had shed her heart
with bewildering sense Of happiness,
he had gone, his gift alone remsiningto to
prove she had not been dreaming.
But she soon came 70 her sober senses.
II was veil known that King Gusta.
vus had bee holding negotiations with
the maiden queen Of England, to induce
her 10 bestow her jeweled hand upon
his elder son, and it had reached Rikas
ears.
Such thing had been known as a
maiden of low degree being woed and
won by = royal suitor. The tale of Gris-
els happiness, and Of her woes as we'll,
was favorite one among the folk stories
told aronnd the humble hearths Of the
peasantry and IL fate had ordained fOr
IL 10 happen 70 her also, Rika woul q
have been q glad and proud a maiden
- ever the sun had shone on. But she
would listen to no words of love from
one whose hand was as good - given e
another.
This she thought a. she walked slow
~ homewsrd.
So tho neat day little bare footed