The evening Republican., 1902-07-10
YOLANDE'S CHOICE.
ny HARRY PAIN.


spring morning, very early, he saw certail
noble damse that had wandered far, al
unattended, over a Towering mead, seekin
TOR the purple pasque anemones that OF al
flowers she loved most dearly. She was fai
OF skin, and her hair was gloriously red il
the sunlight, and her little mouth was tn,
desire of mems hearts. Long had she de
MED the caitiff's suit, for the reason that sh,
did not love him, and that she was atfiancec
to that very gentle knight, Sir Azor OF th
Hill. The caitif, espying Yolande thus un
protected, rode swiftly to her, bound hel
hand and foot and taking her up with hin
ga'loped off to the dark Of the forest.
| But hard by there toiled an humble
clown, who was indeed by birth and educa
tion a varlet and, all unseen by the caititf
he esped what was going forward. and
presently bore word Of il to his master, Sir
| Azor of the Hill, as shall shortly apEsar.
As the caitiff's charger galloped along
with its double load, Yolande said frequent.
ly that the caitiiI was a cai!iH and likewise
recreant, and that her position was most
uncomfortable. Also, she made iervent and
pious appeals to the saints TO protect her.
The caitif said nothing, for he had to guide
his horse, to hold Yo!ande on the saddle, to
lind his way, and TO dodge now and then
a projecting bough; and that left but little
OF his attention free tor the fashion OF com.
pments or courteous retorts. And whether
the saints verify heard and answered her
appeals l will not take it upon myself to
cay, but leave it rather to the judgment of
my readers at the end Of this history, if,
indeed, it be my good fortune that their pa.
tience endure 50 long
Now when he was come nigh to the mid.
die of the forest, the caitiff reincd in his
horse, leaped down, and presently tied the
damsel by the middle to the nearest tree.
Then he sat dow on the verdant sward to
get his breath az his exertons
BASTARD" crs the fair Yo,ande with
t' her beautiful redaair all tumbled about her
Quite So" said the caitiff.
"Why are you doing this? What means
it?" Feminine curiosity will show itself even
in times of stress.
81 was even now about to explain. You
will remain tied to that tree until you swear
by your head that you will never marry Sir
Azor of the Hill"
"Of what use might that be to YOU? For
you, in sooth, will never look upon-you
with the neck of bull, using your strength
as coward, repulsve!"
1T may be. You will take the oath?"
"Never!"
"Never is a very long time. trust you
have breakfasted. | will call again about
midday"
"Brute!" cried Yolande.
But at this moment there was q sound OF
. po lon;pp CT ao1 onI ,pstop+l,, C;r t.,. &c
the Hill was upon them, riding in hot haste.
"Caitif, avaunt!' cried Sir Azor, from
sheer force of habit, as well as from the
necessity of the occasion.
The clitif surveyed him carefully. a.
would avaunt at once, he said, 'for have
no mind to be spiked on lance and made
meat for the crows this fine spring morning.
But inadvertently you come without ar
NOR and without weapon in your hand and
so we are man to man. Avaunt, sir knightW /
Sir Azor looked a little perplexed "T
was called from my bed to chastise you, and
had no need Of arms to smite so base
recreant, nor time to assume them Release
me this maiden instantly, or bitterly shall
you rue it."
'Release me Yourself" cried Yclande
The caitilf stood between the knight and
the damsel, keeping his horse by his side
and ready to mount "a good word" he
cried. Release her yourself Sir Azor. We
are man to man. will wrestle with you on
horseback or afoot. will cut us two slaves,
that we may fight together. But, certcs, you
shall not release her until you have first over
come me-
He was rather large size in caitiffs, and
Sir Azor was rather small size in knights
" IT'S beneath my dignity to brawl with
such carrion," said Sir Azor
Help me- Instantly" cried Yolande,
and there was anger as well as entreaty in
her voice.
~ could not love thee dear so much,
loved | not honor more" said Sir Azor of
the Hill with stately grace. at is beneath
me to fight with such one, or be aught but
his executioner." I,
"ldle vanity! and meanwhile am tied
to tree. Base vanity!'
"You use hard words, Yolande."
"My heart uses harder"
81 will ride back post, haste, and get my {
arms, and return" /,
'By all MEANS" said the caitff, "and
when you return you will find neither this
maiden nor me-
That we shall see,' said Sir Azor; "my
horse is swift, and have many at my beck
and call TO hunt the forest"
"For the love of me release me now." ;
cried Yolande. care you not man to man" I
Patience, Yolande | will return as soon I
as possible" said Sir Azor
As he spoke the catiff drew his knife, and
cut the cords that bound the damsel.
"Since it is for love Of you, Yolande," he
said, "choosc now"
And folande looked from the knight TO i,
the catff, and then she put her arms about
the caitltE's neck and kissed him on the
mouth. Sir Azor Of the Hill, without a
word, turned away, spurring his horse. t
And the caitif and Yolande wandered
away deep into the forest and far from the /;
track, he leading his horse, and with one
arm about her waist.--Black and White.