The San Francisco call., 1905-02-05

rated as though for a festival, FOR
about it and in the cloisters nuns
many lamps. More, these cloisters an0
the space in front of them were
crowded with Saracen lords, wearlns
their robes of state, while yonder sal
Saladin and his court.
They would make brave show OF
my death" thought Rosamund again
Then a little cry broke from her lips
for there, in front of the throne OF sal
adm. the moonlight and the lamp
blaze shining on his armor. stood tall
Christian knight. AT that cry ne
turned his head, and she grew sure
that it was Wulf wasted somewhat
and grown pale, but still Wulf.
So we are TO die together, sne
whispered to herself. then walked for
ward with proud step amidst the
deep silence, and, having bowed to Sal
adm, took the hand of Wulf and
held it,
The Sultan looked at them and said:
However long 1t may. be delayed,
the day of fate must break at last.
say, Franks, are you prepared to drink
the dregs Of the cup l promised you?
We are prepared" they answered
with one voice.
Do you grieve that you laid down
your lives to save those Of all Jerusa-
lem?" he asked again.
ing at Wulf's face, 1--WE rejoice exceed
ingly that God has been so good to
u.s."
II. too, rejoice" said Saladin, "and l.
too, thank God who in bygone days
sent me that vision, which has given
me back the city of Jerusalem without
bloodshed. Now, all Is accomplished
as it was fated. Lead them away
For a moment they clung together.
then emirs took Wulf to the right ana
Rosamund to the left, and she went
with pale face and high head to meet
her executioner, wondering If she
would see Goodwin ere she died. They
led her to a chamber where waited
women, but no swordsman that she
could see, and shut the door upon her.
Perchapce 1 am to be strangled by
these women" thought Rosamund as
they came toward her, $50 that the
blood royal may not be she'd
With gentle hands. but in silence.
they unrobed her, and washed her with
scented waters and braided her hair,
twisting it up with pearls and gems.
Then they clad her in fine linen and
put over 1t gorgeous, broidered gar
ments and a royal mantle of purple,
and her own jewels, which she had
Worn in bygone days. and with them
others still more splendid, and threw
about her head gauzy veil worked
d
as Wulf's gift. which she had worn on
the night when Hassan dragged her
from her home at Steeple She noted
it and smiled at the sad omen, then
said:
Ladies, why should I mock my
doom with these bright garments?''
1t is the Sultan's WILL" they an
swered, nor shall you rest tonight
less happily because of them.''
Now all was ready and the door
opened and she stepped through it.
radiant thing, glittering in the lamp
light. Then trumpets blew and a her
aid cried: Way! Way there! Way for
the Princess of Baalbeci"
Thus followed by the train of ladies
who attended her, Rosamund glided
forward to the courtyard and once
more bent the knee to Saladin, then
stood still. lost in wonder.
Again the trumpets blew and on the
right herald cried, Way Way
therel Way for the Frankish knight
Sir Wulf darcy"
Lo! attended by emirs and notables.
Wulf came forth, clad in splendid
arnor, inlaid with gold, wearing on
his shoulder mantle set with gems
and on his breast the gleam star of the
luck of Hassan. To Rosamund he
strobe and stood by her, his hands
resting on the hilt of his long sword.
Princess, said Saladin, II give
You back your rank and titles, because
you have shown a noble heart, and
you. Sir Wulf, 1 honor also as best 1
may, but to my decree 1 hold. Let
them go together to the drinking of
the. cup of destiny as to a bridal bed"
Again the trumpets blew and the
heralds called and they led them to
the doors of the chapel, which at their
knocking were thrown wide. From
within came the sound of women's
voices singing, but it was no sad song
they sang.
The sisters of the order are still
there" said Rosamund to Wulf, "and
would cheer us on our road to
heaven.
''Perchance,' he answered. "I
know not. | am amazed
At the door the company of Mos
lens left them, but they crowded
round the entrance as though to
watch what passed. Now down the
long aisle walked a single white
robed figure. 1t was the abbess.
What shall we do, mother?" said
Rosamund to her.
Follow me, both of you," she said,
and they followed her through the
nave to- the altar rails, and at a sign
from her knelt down.
Now they saw that on either side
ol the dlldT SlOOu CHRISTIAN priest.
The priest on the right-it was the
Bishop Egbert-came forward and
began to read over them the marriage
service Of their faith.
They'd wed us ere we die" whis-
pered Rosamund to Wulf.
SO be it," he answered: Il am
glad
And 1 also. beloved" she whis>
pered back.
The service went on-as in dream
the service went on. while the white
robed sisters sat in their carven chairs
and watched. The rings that We're
handed to them had been Interchange
ed; Wulf had taken Rosamund to
wife, Rcsamund had taken Wulf to
husband. till death did them part.
Then the old Bishop withdrew to
the altar. and another hooded monk
came forward and uttered over them
the benediction in a deep and sonor-
Gus voice, which stirred their hearts
most strangely. as though some echo
reached them from beyond the grave.
He held his hands above them in
blessing and looked upward, so that
his hood fell back, and the light of
the altar lamp fell upon his face.
1t was the face of Goodwin, and on