The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1905-02-17

theFe. sne exclaimed, with q smile
half arch. half rcpentant. How can
any one be angry ON such day-al,
sunshine, butterflies md fiowersf'
He did not reply, and, mistress once
more OF herself. she drew neur.
What contrast to the stuffy nal.
acc, with oil the courtiers, ministers
ana lap dogs" she went on. Here one
can breathe. But how shnll we make
the most OF such day. Stroll into the
forest; sit by the fountain; run over
the grass?''
Her voice was softer than it had
been; her words frnught with sugges-
tions of eIhilarating companionship.
DID she note their effect? At any rate
she laughed lightly.
but how" she resumed. SURVEYING
her great Unfolding skirt, "could one
trip the sward with this monstrous
gown, weighted with wrcaths Of silver
Is 1t not but one Of the many pen.
alties OF high birth? Oh, for the short
skirts Of the lowly! What comfort to
be arrayed like Jacqueline!'
"And she. princess, doubtless thinks
likewise Of more gorgeous apparel" :"
Ills heart beat faster rs lie strove to
answer her In kind.
"A waste OF cloth In vanity, as saith
Master Culvin!' she replied, lifting her
arms that shone with creamy softncss
from the dangling folds Of heavy silk.
Were 1t not for this courtly incum-
brance I should propose going into the
heids with tho haymakers. You may
sec them now w-look--through the open.
Ing IN the foliage"
with nh expression part resignation,
part regret. she leaned against tho
wind worn griffin which formed the
arm Of the bench. Fainter sounded
the warning Of the jestrcss In the cars
or the dukes fool-so faint Il became
but n weak admonition. More and
more he abandoned himself to the
pleasure OF the moment.
ITO make the most Of the day." tile
princess had said.
How? BY denying himself the sight
to yield, to the charm of her As
! Afsd SO her mood swayed his. He rur-
got his resolution, his pride. and yield
cd to the infatuat!on Of the moment.
But when lie endeavored to call the
weapons Of his Office to his aid, her
left him witless. Jest, fancy and whr,
had taken flight.
"Well?" she said. "well, Sir Fool!"
His color shifted: withal his half
embarrassment there was something
graceful and noble in his bearing
Madam lie began and stopped for
want Of matter to put into words.
But II the princess was annoyed at
the new found dullness Of her plalsant,
her manner did not show 1t.
What" she said gently. mo news
ION the court; no word Of intrigue;
40 story OF the kingI should seek
:, courier for my companion, not jest
.'r. But there! What book have you
,rought?" indicating the volume that
ny upon the bench.
"Guillaume de I.orris' Romance of
the Rose" he answered more freely.
Where did we leave Off"
Where the hero, arriving az foun-
tain. beheld beautiful rose tree"
said the fool In low tone. Desiring
the rose. he reached to gather it,
"Yes. remember. And then Reason
and Danger did battle with Love-"
lis II your wish we continuef" lie
asked. taking the book in his hand.
Il would fain learn II he gathers his
rose. Nay, sit here on the bench and
P--brightly-'may look over your
shoulder ever and anon to steal q
glimpse Of the pretty pictures"
Unquestioningly he obeyed her, the
book, illumined, cleaning In the sun.
shine; the letters. red, gold, many
hued. dancing before them. Love in
crimson. the Ave silver shafts Of Cupid
the tower Of Jealousy. u frownipg for.
tress; the rose, incentive for endless
striving and endeavor-all fioated by
on the creamy parchment leaves. Sc
interested was she In these wondrous
pages. executed with such precision
and perfection, with marginal adorn
ment and many graceful turn and
fancy In initial letter and tai,piece, she
seemed to him for the moment rather
some simple lowly maiden than q
proud princess OF the realm.
How much splendor the penmar
has shownr she murmured, her breath
on his cheek. "'Tis more beautiful
thnn the Life Of st. Agnes Is moi
that figure well done3 A hard, auster,
old man; Reason, I believe, in monki isl
attire"
: Reason or Duty ever partakes Of tht
monastery" he retorted, with a short
mirthless laugh.
Duty. obediencep' she broke in. 'Dt
] not know themf Please turn tn,
page"
"oh. princess" he said wildly, 'I
know what the king hath told you
Why you wear the monarch's ringv'
! "The monarch's ringr she repeatet
as recalled suddenly from wandering