Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-11-30

catch the serpent's eyes, Randaiin purseo
her lips with SO much mystery that her
friend was tempted to catch the hand ana
hold 1t prisoner while she examined the or.
uament After one look, however, she let
1t fall with an expression OF awe upon ner
dfmpled face.
'The ring Canute gave Elfgiva-that he
won from the giant RothgarY heaven lot
bid that I should press upon her secrets!
My ears tingle yet from the cuff l got only
for looking at yonder dirty scroll. Yet how
long Is 1t since you were taken into their
councils, Tata? Yesterday you were no bet
ter able than to say how things were with
her.
How long?" Randaliu repeated dreamily
t.er gaze had gone back again to the rain,
falling so softly that every pool In the sod
den paths seemed to be full of lazily wink
ing eyes. "Oh, there are many good chances
that he will be ..ere soon now. He Is sell
dom later than the third hour after noon.
After bewildering gasp, Dearwyn stifed
a uurst of laughter in her garlands "Oh,
TIA, come to earth!" she admonished.
come to earth!' And scooping Up hand
full of the fragrant bloom, she pelted the
dreamer with rosy balls
Shah,ng them from robe and clustering
hair, Randalin turned back, smiling. But
her lips sobered almost to usefulness
as she sank down upon the seat beside her
friend. 1T seems that 1 must do that
against my will she said. 'Dearwyn, do
you get afraid when you are happy? Some
times. when l stand here watching for him
and think how different all has happened
from what l supposed, l am so happy, =
she paused, and it was as though the sun
had caught the iris flowers in her eyes, I'M
til a cloud came between and the blue petals
purpled darkly-''so happy that it causes
fear to me- lest it be no more than dream
or in some way not true.
Her cheek. as she ended. was softly pale,
but Dearwyn brushed it pink with sweeps
of the long stemmed blossom in her hand.
Sweet, it is the waxing of the moon. !
pray you be blithe in your spirits. Small
wonder your lover bears himself as gravely
as stone man on a tomb II you talk
SUCH
"Dearwyn, the same thought has over
taken US both!' Randalin broke in anxious
ly. and now she was all awake and staying
the others busy fingers to insure her at
tention. mot few times 1t has seemed to
me that he looks weary of heart. as though
some struggle were sapping his strength.
He swears 1t IS not so. yet think the rebel
lion of his pride against king-serving-
IF you want to know my belief, 1t 1s that
he carries trouble in his breast about you,
Dearwyn interrupted.
About me?' so much hurt surprise was
in RandalinS manner that the little maid
begged forgiveness with caresses Of the
swaying clover.
BE not vexed, honey, but in truth he is
overcome by the oldest look whatsoever he
watches you without your seeing-as though
he were not sure of you, in some way, and
yet-oh 1 cannot explain it! Only tell me
this-doeS he not ask you, many times and
oft, if you love him, or If others love you,
or such like?"
In the midst of shaking her head, Randa-
lin paused, and her mouth became as round
as her eyes. "Fooishly do 1 recall it! AS
If he would! And yet. Dearwyn, he has
asked me four times if any Danes visit us
here. Would you think that he could
be"
"Jealous?" Dearwyn dropped her flowers
to clap her hands softly. "Tata, 1 have