Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1905-01-10
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princess had said.
How? BY denying himself tie sight
of her ever varying grace; by refusing
to Weld 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. hel
glance and the shadow Of that smile
left him witless. Jest, fancy and whin
had taken flight.
"Well?" she said. "Well, Sir Fool?"
His color shifted; withal his hall
embarrassment there was something
graceful and noble in his bearing.
Madam he began and stopped To-
want of matter to put into words.
But IL the princess was annoyed q
the new found dullness Of her plaisant
her manner did not show 1t.
| "M Lat" size s;,.u 10 news
from the court; no worI Uf intrigue;
no story Of the king! l should seek
courier for my companion, not 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 OFF,"
Where the hero, arriving at foun'
tain, beheld a beautiful rose tree"
said the fool In a low tone. Desiring
the rose, hs reached to gather it,
"Yes, remember. And then Reason
and Danger did battle with Love-"
rs it yo,v wish we continue" he
asked. taking the book In his hand.
II would fain learn II be gathers his
rose. Nay, sit here on the bench and
F'-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 five silver shafts Of Cupid
the tower Of jealousy. a frowning for
tress; the rose, incentive for endless
striving and endeavor-all tioated by
Oh the creamy parchment leaves. So
| interested was she In these wondrous
pages, executed with such precision
and perfection, with marginal adorn,
ment and many a graceful turn and
fancy in initial letter and tailpiece. she
seemed to him for the moment rather
some simple lowly maiden than q
proud princess Of the realm.
How much splendor the penman
has shownv she murmured. her breath
Oh his cheek. "'Tis more beautiful
than the Life Of st. Agnes IL not
that figure well done1 A hard, austere
old man; ReSson, l believe, In monkisf
attire"
treason or Duty ever partakes Of the
monastery" he retorted, with short
mirthless laugh.
Duty, obedience! she broke In. "Do
| not know them? Please turn the
page
"Oh, princess" he said wildly. 81
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 All
Jacqueline"-
And u ring signlfieth consent. You
will fulfill the kings desire"
THE hlnss . desireT' she replied me-
chanicGlly. is it not the will Of God?'
Then you will obey the king!' he
persisted duly.
Why" she answered. smiling and
bcn,.ing never, will you spoil the
day"
You would give yourself to mul
whether or not you loved him"
A frown gathered OIL the princess
brow, but she stopped, herself picked
UP the book he had dropped, brushed
the earth from 1t and seated herself
upon the bench. Her manner was
uuiet, resolute; her action a rebuke t.
the forward fool.
Twill you not read?' she said. will
| an inscrutable look.
True" he exclaimed, rising quickly
Il was sent to 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 scornfu
words reiterated themselves, "Thini
you the princess vii, wear the vii
low?"
Taking the book, he opened 1t at ran
dom, mechanically sinking at her feet
The quest. the idle quest! Was 1t bu'
an awakening? 80 far lay the branch
above his reach! His voice rose and
fell with the mystic rhythm Of the me