The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-05-21
CHAPTER Nj.

THE LEGEND OF THE RUNIC RING
On the morning after his adventure on
the seashore Idris went out with the in
tention of calling upon MademoiselIe
Riviere and that he might not lack rea-
sonable pretext for his visit, he took with
him the book which she had asked him TO
return Apart altogether from the charm
of her beauty LOreie interested him. both
as being the daughter of Captain Rochefort,
and likewise as the depositary of some
strange secret relating to his fathers his
tory. Though earnestly pressed by Idris
she had firmly declined to give any account
of Eric Marville from the time of his
escape TO the sinking of the yacht in Orms-
by Race. 1t was difficult to assign a motive
for her refusal. but Idris did not doubt
that in course OF time he would be able
TO overcome her reticence: and therefore
if only on this account. Lorelie Riviere was
a person whose friendship ii behooved him
to cultivate.
The way to her villa, The Cedars, took
him past Saint Oswald's Church. and moved
by sudden impulse, he turned aside to
enter the edifice. which in more than one
sense was hallowed ground to him, mas
much as il was here that he had first met
with Lorelie.
Surely Eros was directing his steps, For
scarcely had he passed within the porch
of the Ravengar Chantry when his ear
caught the soft rustic OF silk, and Mademoi-
selle Riviere herself was standing before
him. She had entered at another door,
and the basket of flowers hanging from
her arm seemed TO indicate that her object
in visiting the church was to deck its altar.
Dressed in graceful costume of black and
silver that harmonized exquisitely with her
delicate complexion, she looked more beau
tiful and bewirching than ever in Idriss
eyes. as with a bright smile she extended
her hand.
"And your sprained ankle?" he asked,
when their first greetings were over.
Us not my presence here a satisfactory
answer to that question: she smiled
May l ask for a flower in exchange,
mademoiselle?" said Idris, as he returned
the book to her.
Here is a variety to choose from. Let
me learn your favorite."
She held out the basket for Idris to make
81 am in a parabolical mood, you see.
The name of this flower expresses what
land thereby you accuse me of ingrati-
tude'
by suggesting the possibility of my for
getting one who has saved my lfe,' re-
piled Lorelie, the color stealing over her
cheek. She raised her eyes to his with an
expression in them that thrilled him, and
continued: Shall l tell you the dream
had last night? l thought 1 was still lying
on those sands where FELL unable to move
The rising tide came on and rippled around
me- striking a chill through my clothing
At last the water was so high that it
flowed over my face, filling my mouth and
nostrils. 1 fought with it, but it assembled
higher and ever higher above me. till l was
deep down below the surface.
And the curious part OF il all was that
I still lived. / lay there as in a trance
motionless, staring upwards. l could see
the air-bubbles of my breath ascending
to the surface. The moon with tremulous
motion shone through the CLASSY water
weed drifted around and chung TO my cheek
and hair Curious sea-monsters came and
looked at me. then went away again: she'll
fish craWled over me, and all night long
the restless water flowed over my face
and FLASHED in and out of my mouth. It's
faint murmur rings in my ears still. In
the morning L awoke and found il a dream
Then | said to myself, This is what would
have happened Tiff no one had been near
1T is past now" replied Idris. observing
her shlver Don't think any more about
IT."
THE peril is past. but the memory of it
remains. All, that dreami IL il should
occur again tonight L shall begin TO be
like Richard H. and tremble at the thought
of sleep. Shall put those flowers in your
coat Mr.. Breakspear? You seem to lind
Ii a difficulty"
Idris readily accepted her proffered aid.
Forget me-not." she murmured. fasten-
ing the nosegay to his button-hole; and
Idris wondered whether the words were
addressed TO him, or whether she was
simply repeating the name of the flower:
the latter IL seemed by her next remark.
why should our French moysotis be called
in English. 'Forget-me-not?' Can you tell
me the origin of the Manner
Idris could and did: relating the some