Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-12-02

ing. That death should leave so little
trace, that the spot which one. night was
occupied by a headSman, the next, should
hold bride made her fancy reel with hor-
ror while F=she pulled herself together
sternly. p
This is life as in truth it is she sa d
1T IS well that / understand at last how
terrible everything really is, and how lit
tie anything matters" Forcing herself &c
tread the rug with steady step, she came
where the king stood by an open window
He was as changed as the room, though In
honor of his BRIDE he wore again state
robes of silk and cloth of gold for the fire
of the northern lights was gone out of his
face. leaving It dun and iusterless In the
garden below, minstrel was making hay
in the sun of the royal glance by a rapid
lmprovising of fattering verses which he
was shouting Justify to his sesyangins harp
but now the kings hand rose CURLY.
Your imagination has no small power
friend, yet save some virtues in case you
should want to sing to me again." he ad-
vised as he tossed down u com and turned
away. ----
His ward courtesied deeply before him.
For your justice. King canute, l give you
thanks drawn from the bottom of my
heart" she said.
Il welcome you to your own. LADY of
Avalcomb,' he answered as he returned
her salutation Leaning against the WIN
dow frame he stood a long while look ng at
her In silence-so long that she was startled
of the realm. must lay on your odal one
burden, Frode's daughter"
What is that, king2"
1t is that before the year is out you
take husband who shall be able to de-
fend your land in time of need"
Her white cheeks went very red before
him and then grew very pale again, while
her breast rose and fell convulsvely
Hut as she t,o,, elasped her, hands over
and, suddenly, she flung up her head in
Kind of trembling defiance. What
does 1t matter? King, l know what a
Danlsh woman owes her rage. Choose you
the man and this shall like other things,
be as you WISH
1t was evident that her answer took him
by surprise. for he bent from the wall to
observe her. Il choose!.s he repeated.
Have you then no choice?'.
She tried to say no. she tried desper-
ately to say IT; but already her courage
was crumbling under her.. All at once
she took her hands from her breast to hold
tfem out pleadingly. and her voice was
cemb-now-today!
Wherefore today?" he asked. II had
thought you would remain here for "a while
ans get honor from Queen Emma A mo-
nent ne looked away from her, out of the
window at the drifting clouds II can tell
you. F'rodes daughter. that while she is
noble in her BIRTH. she Is still nobler in
her mind, he said gravely. Little would
there be IN her service for you to take H.
l think 1t possible that she might be highly
helpful to you. There is that about her
which makes the good in ono come out and
bask like snake in the sun, while the evil
slirks away shadow-like-l'
She interrupted him with, a CRY that was
half sob. Lord King, cannot bear it to
see moro people that are strange to me.
Stree left my fathers house 4 have felt
the starkness of strangers, and now-now
can endure it no longer. Ny heart within
me is as though it We're bruised black and
blue. Let me go back where ALI know me
where none will hold me of at arms length
to challenge me with his eyes, but all love
me ana pace faith In me because they
know me. Lord, give me lea We to go home
pray 1t of you. Beseech ii Of your En-
treating, she would have fallen at his feet