The Savannah morning news., 1904-08-28

you nay, if she wills it. seeing that
you are the properest man and the
bravest in all this country side"
Except my brother Goodwin, who is
all these things, and good and learned
to boot, which am not" replied Wulf
musingly. Then there was silence for a
While, which he broke.
Goodwin, our ill-luck is that you love
her also, and that you thought the
same thought that did yonder on the
quay-head."
Goodwin flushed little and his long
fingers frightened their grip upon his
knee.
1T is So" he said quietly. ITO my
grief it is so. But she knows nothing
of this, and should never know it If
you will keep watch upon your
tongue. Moreover, yon need not be
Jealous of me, before marriage or aft
err"
What, then. would you have me
do?" asked Wulf holly. Seek her
heart. and perchance-though this
doubt-let her yield it to me, she think
ing that you care naught for her?"
why not?" asked Goodwin again.
with a sigh; 'it might save her some
pain and you some doubt and make
your own path more clear. A marriage
10 NUT " SOu llldl " lilC w ulls WIZ
think sometimes that my sword shall
be my spouse and duty my only
crown"
who think, having a heart of gold,
that even in such thing as this you
will not bar the path, of the brother
whom you love. Nay, Goodwin. as 1 am
sinful man, and as desire her above
all things on earth will play no such
towards game. nor conquer one who
will 1iff he CT
hurt me. Sooner would l bid you all
farewell, and go to seek fortune or
death in the wars without word spok-
en-"
Leaving her to pine perchance. Oh,
could we be sure that she had no
mind toward either of US, that would
be best-to begone together. But.
Wulf, we cannot be sure. since at
times, to be honest, have thought she
loves you
And at times. to be honest, 1 have
been sure that she loves you, al
though I should like to try my luck
and hear it from her lips, which on
such terms 1 will not do"
What then, is your plan, Wulf?"
''My plan is that if our uncle gives
us leave, we should both speak to
her-you first, as the eldest, setting
out your case as best you can, and
asking her to think of it and give you
answer within a day. Then, before
that day is done 1 also should speak
so that she may know all the story
and play her part in it with open
ed eyes. not deeming, as otherwise
she might, that we know each others
minds, and that you ask because
have no will that way"
1T is very fair" said Goodwin; land
worthy of you, who are the most hon
est of men. Yet, Wulf my heart is
troubled. See you, my brother. have
evdr brethren loved each other as
we do? And now must the shadow
of a woman fall upon that love and
blight it. that is so fair and previous
a. thing?"
"Why SOP" asked Wulf. Though
it is the common thought, I think it
unneedful that even this should sour
our great love. Come, Goodwin, let
us make pact that it shall not be
thus, and keep it by the help of
heaven. Let us show the world that
two men can love one woman and
still love each other not knowing as
yet which of them she will choose
If, indeed, she chooses either; for, God
win, we are not the only gentlemen in
the world whose eyes have turned.
or yet may turn, towards the high
born, rich, and lovely lady Rosamund.
Is it your will that we shall make such
CactF'
Goodwin thought little, then an
swered:
eyes, but if so, it must be one so
strong that for her sake and for both
our sakes we cannot break it and live
with honor"
80 be it," said Wulf. this is mans
work, not childs make believe"
Then Goodwin rose. and going to the
door, babe his squire, who watched
without, pray the Prior John to come
to them. as they sought his counsel in
a matter So he came and, standing
before him with downcast head, God
win told him all the tale, which, in
deed, he who knew so much already,
was quick to understand, and of their
purpose also; while at question from
the prior, Wulf answered that it was
well and truly said, nothing having
been kept back. Then they asked him
if it was lawful that they should take
such an oath, to which he replied that
he thought it not only lawful, but very
good.
So In the end, kneeling together hand
in hand before the Holy Rood that
stood in the chamber. they repeated
this oath after him, both of them to-
gether.
I'VE brethren. Goodwin and Wulf
Darcy, do solemnly swear by the holy
Cross OF CHRIST ana Dy the patron
saint of this place. ST. Mary Magde-
.iene, and our patron saints, St Peter
and st. Chad, standing in the presence
of God. our guardian angels, and Of
you, John, that being both of us en-
amoured of our cousin, Rosamund
Darcy. we will. if her sire allows it,
ask her to wife in the manner we have
agreed. and no other That we will
abide by her will, should she choose
either of us. nor seek to alter it by
tempting her from her troth, or in any
fashion overt or covert. That he of us
whom she refuses will thenceforth be
d brother TO her and no more, however
Satan may tempt his heart otherwise.
That so far as may be possible to us,
who are but sinful men. we will suffer
no bitterness nor Jealousy to come be-
tween our love because Of this woman,
and that in war or peace we will re-
main faithful comrades and brethren.
And so we swear with a true heart and
purpose, and I'm token thereof, knowing
that he who breaks this oath will be a
knight dishonored and a vessel fit for
the wrath of God, we kiss this Rood
and one another"
This, then. they said and did, and
With light minds and joyful faces
received the blessing of the Prior,
who had christened them in infancy,
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