The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1903-09-30
CHAPTER V.-contInued.
The Princess Fan.

'S E'bSSSS
''The duke would not be molested by
these outlaws?" she continued, pursuing
her line Of questioning.
The duke has a. strong ARM he an
swered cautiously. "They may be well
content to permit him to come and go
as he sees fit.''
well, well.' she said, perversely, II
was only curious about the distance and
the country
For leagues the land is wild, bleak,
inhospitable. and then tbs level, monot-
onous, deserted, so lonely the song dies
on the wandering minstrel's lips. But the
duke rides fast with his troop and soon
would cover the mountain paths and
dreary wastes
Nay she interrupted impatiently, Il
asked not how the duke would ride
II thought you wished to know, Prin-
CESS he replied. humbly.
You thought"-she began angrily, sit
ting erect
Il know, Princess; fool should but
Jest, not think"
why do you cross me to-day?" she
demanded petulantly. Can you not
see--"
Abruptly she rose; impatiently moved
away; but few steps, however, when
she turned. her face suddenly free from
annoyance, in her eyes a soft decision
"There!' she exclaimed with smile.
HaH-arcn, hait-repentant. How can any
one be angry on such day-all sun
shine, butterflies and fowers!"
He did not reply, and, mistress once
more of herself, she drew near.
What a contrast to the stuffy palace,
with all the courtiers. ministers and lap
dogs" she went on. Here one can
breathe. But how shall we make the most
OF such a day? Stroll into the forest; sit
by the fountain; run over the grass?''
Her voice was softer than 1t had been;
her words fraught with suggestions Of ex-
hiarating companionship. Did she note
their effect? At any rate, she laughed
lightly.
But how" she resumed, surveying the
great EMBEDDING skirt, could one trip the
sward with this monstrous gown.
weighted with wreaths of silver? Is it not
but one of the many penalties of high
birth? Oh. for the short skirts of the
lowly What comfort to be arrayed like
Jacqueline."
And she. princess doubtless thinks
likewise of more gorgeous apparel His
heart beat faster as he strovc to answer
her In kind
"a waste Of cloth in vanity as saith
Master Calvin" she replied. lifting her
arms that shone with creamy softness
from the dangling folds of heavy silk.
Were Is not for this courtly encum-
brance, should propose going into the
fields with the haymakers. You may see
them now--look-thru the opening in the
foliage"
With an expression, part resignation,
part regret. she leaned against the wind
worn griffin which formed the arm of the
bench. Fainter sounded the warning Of
the jestress in the ears of the dukes fool
80 faint 1t became but weak adrnonitior.
More and more he abandoned himself to
the pleasure Of the moment
ITO make the most of the day." the
princess had said.
How? BY denying himself the sight of
her ever-varyfng grace: by refusing to
yield to the charm Of her voice. He
raised his head more boldly; thru her
dropping lashes lazy light shot forth
upon him, and the shadow of smile
seemed to say: THAT is better. When
the mistress Is indulgent, fool should
not be unbending. A melancholy jester is
but poor company"
And so her mood swayed his; he forgot
his resolution, his PRIDE and yielded to
the infatuation of the moment. But when
he endeavored to call the weapons Of his
office to his aid, her glance and the
shadow of that smile left him witless.
Jest, fancy and whin had taken flight.
"Well?" she said. well, Sir Fool?"
His color shifted; withal his half -em-
barrassment, there was something grace
full and noble in his bearing.
'Madam"-he began, and stopped for
want Of matter to put into words.
But II the princess was annoyed at the
new-found dullness Of her PLEASANT, her
manner did not show It.
What" she said. gently; mo news
from the court; no word Of intrigue; no
story Of the king? l should seek courtier
for my companion, not a jester. But
there! What book have you brought?"
indicating the volume that lay upon the
bench.
"Guillaume de Lorris' Romance Of the
Rose" he answered, more freely.
Where did we leave OFF,"
Where the hero. arriving at fountain,
beheld beautiful rose tree, said the fool
in low tone. Desiring the rose, he
reached to gather it"
Eyes, I remember. And then, Reason
and Danger did battle with Love-"
us 1t your wish we continue?" he
asked, taking the book In his hand.
II would fain learn If he gathers his
rose. Nay. sit here on the bench and T.
-brightly-"may look over your shoulder
ever and anon. to steal a glimpse of the
pretty pictures"