Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-06-24

there. Yes. there was one. The thorn lay
by her side. and had it not been for it
Thyra would have persuaded herself that
the lamb and its promise had been a dream.
The years rolled on. Thyra was a wom-
an grown and taught the children OF the
peasants, instead of caring for the sheep.
The padre had taught the girl, because he
that she was clever. The organiSt had
given her music, because her voice was so
sweet. She was known everywhere as
"Merryheart." No one could remain sor-
rowful when she came. Into every cottage
where sorrow dwelt Merryheart was sum-
uoned. and the doctor and padre himself
said her cheer and smiles did more good
than all their medicines or prayers Re-
turning one night from a visit of comfort,
Thyra had to pass through the forest and
over the very path where so many years
ago she had tended the lamb in its distress.
She was singing as she walked, but she
drew near to the spot her music ceased, and
she saw young man dressed shepherd
where she had seen the lamb. lie rose and
saluted her and asked If he might accom-
pany her through the thickest part OF the
forest. The youth was handsome and his
speech was gentle that Thyra gave her
consent Reaching her home, he came in
and shared the simple supper of Thyra's
parents. telling them that he was in the en-
pioy of the king in the humble capacity of
shepherd. The acquafn lance grew and by
and by Merryheart knew that she was hap
Liest when by the side of this youth. Peas
ants marry very simply. There is little fuss
or ceremony; just a visit to the good father
and his blessing. After these had been OBJ
tanned there was the parish register to sign.
Thyra signed her name and her husband
signed his. Thyra was surprised to see
how many ordinary names he had finished
by "Alccste Prince of Paradis."
Thyra could not believe her eyes! She
could not understand how the simple shep
herd could be the son of the kingi The
good father knew. and, what is more, he
knew that in all the world there was not
another maid who would make AlCeSte such
a wife.
AS they left the church there was great
fanfare of trumpets and CHATTER of hoofs.
AlceSte and his bride were placed in the
gold coach which had carried all the bridal
couples of Paradis for hundreds of years.
With the greatest pomp and ceremony they
were driven to the castle, where all the
mobiles in the land were assembled to do
them homage. Thyra was led to her sump-
tuous apartments, where her malds-in-
waiting gowned her in her royal garments.
She could scarce believe her eyes, but when
she noted that her bridal robe consisted OF
a white satin gown, pink sash of gos-
samer fineness, pink hat topped with nod
ding pink plumes and pink satin slippers
with heels high as to almost trip her,
her memory went back to the wish she had
made to the 1amb--the wish that she might
have just such things. The fairies, who no
doubt had their hands in the matter, had
thought of her wish as being first instead of
last. Thyra thought so until later. Then
her handsome husband, wearing the express
sion of perfect happiness for the first time
in his life, announced that many reforms
would from this time on take place in the
kingdom. His parents-in-law should be
honored with titles and receive first places
in the royal household. Each peasant who
had been faithful to him should receive his
cottage and bit of ground about it as we'd
ding gift from his bride. The good father
who had married Thyra and himself should
have new church and an organ so splen-
did as to be the wonder of all. Every Sat
49, 1nl tod ~ war
rymaking on the grounds OF the castle, and
its greenhouses and art galleries would then
be thrown open that all might enjoy
them.
AS the prince made these promises his
face. ever a handsome one, was lighted up
with a happiness so great that those who
knew him were assured that the remedy
had been found. From this time forth he
was beloved by all his subjects, being only
second to Thyra, his wife, the Merryheart
OF the kingdom.