Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-02-08

Of the dukes fool-so faint 1t, became but weak admonition. More ant more he abandoned himself to tn, pleasure of the moment.
 "To make the most of the day" tn, princess had said
 How? By denying himself the sigh Of her ever varying grace: by refusing to yield to the charm of her voice.
 And so her mood swayed his. He for got his resolution, his pride, and yield ed to the infatuation of the moment But when he endeavored to call the weapons of his office to his aid, her glance and the shadow of that smile left him witless Jest, fancy and whim had taken flight.
 "Well?" she said. well Sir Tool?" His color shifted: withal his half embarrassment there was something graceful and noble in his bearing.
 Madam he began and stopped for want of matter to put into words.
 But If the princess was annoyed at the new found dullness of her plaisant, her manner did not show it. What" she said gently. No news from the court; no word of intrigue; no story of the king? I should seek a courier for my companion, not jest CT. But there! What book have you brought?' indicating the volume that lay upon the bench. "Guillaume de LOrris' Romance of the Rose,'" he answered more freely
 Where did we leave off"
 Where the hero, arriving at a foun- tain. beheld a beautiful rose tree,' said the fool in q low tone. Desiring the rose. he reached to gather it'--
 ''Yes, remember. And then Reason and Danger did battle with Love-"
 ''Is it your wish we continue?' he asked, taking the book in his hand.
 'I would fain learn if he gathers his rose. Nay, sit here on the bench and I'-brightly-"may look over your shoulder ever and anon to steal a glimpse of the pretty pictures"
 Unquestioningly he cbeyed her. the book, illumined, glenming in the sun shine; the letters, red, gold, many hued, dancing before them. Love in crimson. the five silver shafts of Cupid the tower of jealousy, frowning for tress: the rose, incentive for endless striving and endeavor-all floated by on the creamy parchment leaves. So 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 tailpiece. she ] seemed to him for the moment rather some simple lOwly maiden than a proud princess of the realm. How much splendor the penman has shown"' she murmured, her breath on his cheek "'Tis more beautiful than the Life of St. Agnes Is not that figure well done? A hard, austere i old man: Reason, 1 believe, in monk ish attire"
 ''Reason or Duty ever partakes of the monastery" he retorted. with a short, mirthless laugh.
 Duty, Obedience." she broke in. "Do l not know them? Please turn the page
 "Oh, princess" he said wildly, q know what the king hath told you. Why you wear the monarch's ring!'
 "The monarch's ring" she repeated as recalled suddenly from wandering thought. "Why. how know you An, Jacqueline"-
 And q ring signifieth consent. You will fulfill the kings desire?"
 The kings desireT' she replied me chanically. "Is it not the will of God?"
 Then you will obey the king?" he persisted duly.
 Why" she answered. smiling and bending nearer, twill you spoil the day?"
 You would give yourself to man whether or not you loved himT'
 A frown gathered on the princess brow. but she stopped, herself picked up the book he had dropped. brushed the earth from it and seated herself upon the bench. Her manner was quiet. resoute: her action rebuke to the forward fool.
 Will you not ready she said. with an inscrutable look.
 True" he exclaimed. rising quickly, 'I was sent 10 amuse'-
 And you have found me too ex- acting mistress?" she asked more gen tly, checking the implied reproach.
 ''Exacting" he repeated.
 What then?' she said half sadly. Nothing" he answered.
 But in his mind Jacqueline's scornful words reiterated themselves, Think you the princess will wear the will low?"
 Taking the book. he opened 1t at ran- dom. mechanically sinking at her feet. The quest. the idle quest. Was 1t but an awakening? So far lay the branch above his reach. His voice rose and fell with .he mystic rhythm of the me ..g0 c.- ETS@ SaS N @gsg -%gs1fyw