The Ocala evening star., 1911-04-26


SPEAK"
Inc Lady AIdrida danced gracefully,
and l do not think l disgraced her as
partner. l did my best to please,
for I was glad to lead her through the
dance
The dance over, l pledged her in
wine, sealing, as 1t were. the words
had spoken, and she blushed sweet
acceptance of my homage.
HAS never Vasca pledged you so?"
I asked.
81 hope not or yours would be a
false pledge. seeing that he seeks my
company no longer"
Truly a fool to forsake such ia
vors'
yet he does so for the favors of a
Tell me, not as you see with lovers
eyes, but critically-On your honor.
critically-am l not as fair as she?''
Nay, mistress, you judge yourself
but harshly,' | answered promptly.
Perhaps for this reason l began to
hear what others around us were talk
ing Of Until now | had been deaf to
all save Lady Aldrida.
Tomorrow in the market place."
were the first words | caught. They
were uttered by a man seated little
space from us. spoken to his compan-
ion, woman, and l could well guess
Of what he spoke.
Tomorrow she said. rs it not a
cruel law"
Cruel? Yes, but necessity is often
cruel,' her companion answered. ITO
let them go would be madness: to
spare them would be to gather enc
mics within our walls Speak no more
Of them. They are not worth the eXer-
else Of your sweet lips"
Pardon me, Sir Knight" l said.
turning to him. "Is it of the prison
ers you speak,"
Yes, Sir Verrall They die tomor-
row."
prisoners of war always die on the
morrow" said Lady Aldrida. What
are they to us?"
'It is a barbarous custom-disgrace-
full to brave men,"
"Still it is the law"
Then there should be no such law"
She shrugged her pretty shoulders.
What would you. Sir VerrallT' she
asked, rising with some excitement.
81 would do something for these
same prisoners of ours
"Tonight?'
Surely, since they die tomorrow"
She looked straight into my eyes.
What she saw there l do not know,
but she put her hand in mine sud
denly.
Il will do what you will"
Then let us to the princess"
Blame me not if we fail she said.
THE princess does not overfavor me
at present"
'1 have an argument to make her
attentive to petition 1 answered.
"A dangerous one TO use perchance,
but this is no time to count the cost"
Count Vasca was still with the prin-
cess, and Jasar stood close beside her
chair. AS we approached l saw that
we had come at an inOpportune time.
Vasca's brow was clouded. That
did not fear But the princess was
evidently angered.
You come too late to give us coun-
sci, Sir Verrall," she said angrily
Think you there is nothing besides
feasting TO be dOne?
Your highness must pardon me, but
l thought tonight was given to feast
ing The noisy town bid me think so
and
rs It aught to me what the rabble
Of the town do?" she interrupted.
"And here were dancing and making
merry Your highness did not call me-
to counsel"
1T seems, Sir Nerrall. that you please
yourself and come when do not call.
ITO ask a favor, princess"
"Favors are easily asked" she re
turned in a tone that showed she wa:
prepared TO refuse me.
1T is a favor. yet not for myself"
For the Lady Aldrida. doubtless
since she comes with you. You chose
a fitting knight 10 do your wishes
madame, yet not one who cannot b,
refused"
She spoke in a sneering fashion
which made me lose some Of the calm
ness I had intended using. The clouC
on Vasca's brow lifted too. he wa:
pleased that the princess received m'
so ungraciously.
The favor Is not for Lady Aldrida
She would doubtless have been receiv
ed kindly had she brought any reQues