Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1905-04-06

u KNOW. princess, FOOL SnOulu Dut
Jest. not think
''Why do you cross me today" she
demanded pctulantly. "Cnn yOn not
see
Abruptly she rose impatiently moved
away hut few steps. however. when
she turned. her face suddenly free
from annoyance. in her eyes soft de
cision.
"'rhcrc." she exclaimed, with smile
half arch. half repcntant. How can
any one he angry on such a day-all
sunshine. butterflies and nowers?"
He did not reply. and. mistress once
more of herself. she drew near.
what contrast to the stuffy pnl-
ace. with all the courticrs, ministers
and lap dogs" she went on. "Hcre one
can breathe. But how shall 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 hau
been; her words fraught with sugges-
tons of exhilarating companionship.
Did she note their effect? At any rate
she laughed lightly.
Put how" she resumed. surveying
her great Unfolding skirt. could one
| trip the sward with this monstro,is
gown. weighted with wreaths Of silver?
| Is it 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
His heart beat faster as he strove to
answer her in kind.
| "A waste Of cloth in vanity. rs saith
| Master Calvin" she replied. lifting her
arms that shonc with creamy softness
from the dangling folds of heavy silk.
Were 1t not for this cOurty incum-
brance l should propose going into the
fields with the haymakeis. You may
see them ow-look-through the open
ing in the foliage"
With an expression part resignation.
part regret, she leaned against the
wind worn griffin which formed the
arm Of the bench. Fainter sounded
the warning of the jestrcss in the ears
Of the dukes fool-sO faint 1t became
but weak admonition. More and
more he abandoned himself to the
plea sure of the moment.
''To make the most of the day" the
princess had said.
How? BY denying himself the sight
Of her ever varying grace; by refusing
to yield to the charm of her voice
And so her mood swayed his. He for
| al. At 10 toll
I'll 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 FoolI"
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 II the princess was Ahnoyed at
the new found dullness of her PLEASANT.
her manner did not show it.
Wat. she SAID .eu,4. No news
from the court; no word Of intrigue;
no story of the king: | should seek
IL courier for my companion. not II jest
er. 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 on
. "Whcre the hero arriving ut n foun
tain. bcheld beautiful rose tree,
. said the fool in low tone. Desiring
] the rose. he reached to gather it
! Yes. | remember. And then Reason
Ind Danger did battle with Love
us it your wish we continue" he
! asked, taking the book in his hand.
Il would fuin learn ii he gathers his
rose. Nay, sit here on the bench aud
-brisni.y--"may look over your
. shoulder ever and anon t. steal a
b glimpse of tie pretty pictures
Unquestioningly he obeyed her the
= book, illumined, cleaning in the sun
D shine; the letters, red, gold, many
: hued. dancing before them. Love IN
). crimson, the five silver shafts of Cupid,
i. the tower Of jealousy. a frowning for-
J. tress; the rose, incentive for endless
q striving and endeavOr-all fioateu by
\ on the creamy parchment leaves. 80
9 interested was she in these wondrous
pages. executed with such precision
!. and perfection. with marginal adorh-
ment and many graceful turh and
fancy in initial letter and tailp'ece. she
seemed to HIM for the moment rather
I; some simple lOwly maiden thah q
3 proud princess of the realm.
!. How much splendor the penmai
has shown" she murmured. her breath
II ON his cheek. Ills more DeautlIu
t. than the Life of ST. Agnes Is not
e that figure well done? A hard, austert
d old man; Reason. l believe. In monkist
Il attire
? treason or Duty ever partakes Of tin
70 monastery" he retorted. with short
e mirthless laugh.
DUTY, obedience!" she broke In. "D'
e l not know them? Please turn tn
page"
II "Oh. princess" he said wildly. +"
r. know what the king hath told you
IT Why you wear the monarch's ring"
It "The monarch's ring." she repeate'
le as recalled suddenly from WANDERING
q thought. "Why. how know YOU Al
= Jscqueline"-