Gilpin observer., 1904-12-29

The Etheling turned fercely to the
Jarl, For Gods sake, tell her that
no one suspects her of seeking his
life, and give her his true message,
or l will go and hang myself for
loathing."
"Tell her yourself!" the old Dane
snapped. 1T is seen that you are as
rabbit-hearted as the boy who makes
her such an offer. Were in his place.
I would have them all drowned for q
litter of wauling Kittens"
The young soldier, having braved
the outburst of Mysteries that re-
doubled at his approach, managed to
slip soothing word into the lull.
1T is true, noble one. that for state
reasons the King has consented to
this union with Emma of Normandy,
who will bling him the friendship of
Duke Richard besides causing pleas
ure to the English. But the crown of
Denmark Is also at his disposal, lady,
and this he purposes to bestow upon
your son Sven, for whom he has much
love. And 1t is his will and pleasure
that you accompany the boy across
the sea and, together with the earls
OF his guardianship, hold the power
for him until his hands shall be big
enough to grasp it alone. For this he
gives you the name Of queen and all
the honor you shall DESIRE"
1t was as though a rainbow had
been set in her showery eyes. He
purposes this?" she murmured; and
rose out of her seat in kind of
ecstasy-then caught at its back.
glooming with doubt. 81 cannot believe
tit is too beautiful. Swear that you
are not mocking me-"
II swear it" he said gravely, but his
lips curled little as he watched her
delight bring back her color. her
smiles, her every fairy charm.
Throwing her arms about Dear
wyn, who CHANGED to be nearest, she
kissed her repeatedly. Think. mouse
"a queen! a queen! 1t was not for
naught that l dreamed an eagle flew
over my head. All, how shall cher
isb the dear little one who has
brought me this! pray you tell me
when l am to leave, and who goes
with me, and every word of the plan.
for could eat them like sweets"
"Ulf Jarl will feed your ears later"
Thorkel said gruf1y. you will leave
for Northampton this afternoon, to
get the boy-and to get rid of you be.
fore the Lady of Normandy arrives" :"
The shaft fell pointless as she
turned her sparkling face toward her
women. You hear that, my lambs?
This afternoon-not one more night in
this prison! Randalin. learn what dis
posal is to be made of you. and that
quickly. Mobiles, II I am not yet
enough queen to dismiss you. still am
queen enough to depart without your
leave" Ginning the sweet bells Of
her laughter, she glided away among
her excited attendants, the silver
mockery reaching them after she had
vanished into the house.
Randalin awoke to a sense of be-
wilderment. 1T is true that I do not
know where to go. now that this place
is upset"
The question was repeated in her
lovers attitude; but Thorkel Jarl an
swered it, coming between them and
drawing her aside.
II will remedy that" he said. my
men are to fetch you to the Palace so
soon as ever your lady has left. The
King has a use for YOU" The rest he
spoke into her ear, but its effect was
to blanch her cheeks and cause her
hands to clasp each other in terror as
she started back.
II cannot!" she cried. Il cannot"
you must" he said harshly. "Or
you will do little credit to the blood
that is in you. Do you no longer
think your father and brother of any
Importance"
They are pitiless to demand it OF
me-" she murmured, and buried her
face in her hands.
Ito be continued.)