Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1903-11-13
DAILY SHORT STORY
A Medieval Love Story
[Original.l

wood listening. She was the daughter
of one with royal blood in his veins,
and in such families it isFwell known
that love plays no part lin marriage.
Yet love had come unl5idden to the
Lady Agatha, and she was playing
with one of his sharp arrows. A young
soldier came through the trees and
Joined her.
HERBERT
"Agatha!'
81 have bad newsIfor you. My father
announced to me today that 1 was to
wed Count Alfred
The young man Quailed as if struck
by blighting wind. ITO lose you. and
10 him, my bitter enemy he moaned.
Herbert, be strong, for my sake!'
And, throwing her arms about him, she
wept on his shoulder.
There is no hope"
There is. Count Albert will not
force me to marry him if L tell him
that such Il marriage would be re-
pulSive to me-"
HE will follow his inclination.
Agatha, choose now between me and
him. If you choose me, meet me here
tomorrow evening at sunset and be
ready to go with me. L have found
favor with the king, who, if we are
once married, will give me preferment
and his influence with your father
She hesitated Il moment, then whis-
pered: Il am yours. 1 Will meet you
here"
That evening the earl, her father,
summoned her to his apartments.
There with him was the Count Alfred.
Agatha said the earl, this is your
betrothed. leave you with him,
trusting that your first interview may
result in your being mutually pleased
with each other" With that he with
drew. Agatha threw herself at the
counts feet.
"YOur highness," she said, q am go
ing to trust myself to your mercy. l
do not love you. L love another. Tell
my father that you resign me-"
The man started, but controlled him
self.
what you ask is impossible. Our
important families. The king desires
it."
"The man 1 would wed is in favor
with the king. We will go to him for
his consent"
"When?"
Tomorrow evening. Give US but till
then and all may be well with u.s.
Give me your confidence. and 1 will
help YOU
Agatha gave the hour and place of
meeting, but resolutely refused to give
her lovers name. Then the count de-
elared that he loved her too well to
prevent her happiness.
''Noble man." exclaimed Agatha,
"your place in my heart shall always
be next that of my lover"
The count withdrew muttering, 81
have delicate role to play"
The next morning Count Alfred told
the earl of his interview and the Lady
Agatha was locked in her room. At
sunset Herbert repaired to the green
wood and waited impatiently. 1t was
past the hour set and the twilight was
deepening when a figure concealed in 4
long robe came toward him. He won
dered how Agatha could look so tall.
The figure came on and stopped before
him. Then, suddenly the robe was
thrown off. revealing Count Alfred
81 came" he said, intending to con-
ceal my identity, but since you are the
man who intends to thrust yourself
among those UNNECESSARILY above you
1 have stepped out of my disguise to
give you the chastisement you merit"
Nothing could be more welcome"
Both drew rapiers and placed them
selves on guard. q A full moon shone
H. Is..s,-
light. glistening on the polished blades,
which gave the sound of steel against
steel 1t was a short fight. Count AL
bert was so accustomed to contempt
for his interiors in birth that he was
not as careful as his wont. but he was
a good swordsman and fought well.
Herbert fought with Il hope that the
issue might give him the girl he loved.
At last a ray of moonlight reflected
from his adversary's sword shone in
Count Albert's eye, momentarily blind
ing him. Before he could recover Her
bert's rapier had pierced his body. He
would have fought on, but loss of blood
weakened him, and he sank down in a
faint.
Herbert, turning from him, saw his
robe lying near and, putting it on. went
toward the castle. Boldly entering. he
asked where was the Lady Agatha.
'In a chamber in the round tower"
was the reply. Going there, he saw a
woman sitting at the door and demand
ed entrance.
Certainly, your highness," replied
the woman, who had seen Count AL
bert go off in the cloak she had herself
provided, and she opened the door.
In a few minutes the man came out,
dragging Agatha, who feigned to go
unwillingly, and, milking an exit. the
two went to the greenwood. where
Herbert had brought horses. and
mounting before the eyes of the wound
ed man, who had sought to prevent
them, rode till near midnight. when
they drew rein in the courtyard of the
kings palace.