The Breckenridge news. (Cloverport, Ky.) 1876-1955, 1911-04-19

TO Walen, and he did not sympathize
with me at all. lie was a good fellow,
but. after all, barbarian.
Even in the palace there was high
revel much feaSting and drinking,
some unfit TESTING too. Still, these
tests were not spoken in the hearing
of the princess, nor did n knight un-
steadily approach her. Doubtless she
knew that such things happened, but
she did not countenance them, al
though she could not altogether pre-
vent them.
she welcomed me rs she welcomed
others. although ! was now popular
hero. Somewhat piqued. I determined
that she should understand that | cared
no more for her than for any other
woman.
\ dozen lovers were ready TO my
hand, and for sport ! chose one part
". partly for revenge. The Lady Al
drida did not beckon me now. Of my
own accord | went to her, and she
drew her gown aside that | might sit
by her
J on nOUDf me, SlT NeIIdI.
"Nay. mistress; it is ever the lady
who honoreth the knight when she ac-
cepts his company"
"And once you sworc that you were
rough Of speech, not given to paying
compliments"
She cast down her eyes as she said
1t. She looked beautiful, and | was
in the mood to like her beauty.
said | so?" | asked leaning toward
her until the scent of her hair was in
my noStrils
Indeed you did"
"You must have frowned then, sweet
mistress. or | could not have been so
ungallant. When you smile the veri-
est churl could not help but say pref
ty things -..,..,--,-''"s'-~-'''-s---~-
''Once it was said that could you use
your sword as you used your tongue
you would be great warrior Now
"And now?" | asked, touching the
lace upon her sleeve in sort of mute
caress.
= "Ah, Sir Verrall, you have proved
yourself with your sword. yet l doubt
II 1t can work greater damage than
your tongue"
each to its business" ! answered
gayly-'the sword for the heart of a
man. the tongue for the heart Of
woman"
ANY man or any womanT
"Nay, you wrong me; | vow it, The
e
woman one lOYe."
"Had you said so when you paid no
compliments ! might have believed
you" she whispered.
And | whispered just as low:
"Mistress. will quarrel with you If
you believe me not now"
Quarrel" she said with an anxious
look. little hand laid upon my arm.
"Then believe"
A hundred had bowed before her, vet
she stood heart whole. 1t was my
own victory-success where others had
failed.
And deeper yet | Owed, blindfold, as
II were.
Mistress, if you would, prove my
faith"
She looked up suddenly, interrupting
me.
"May II"
"How and when you will" an
swered.
"Not now" she laughed. 81 have
no quest to set you to, no enemy who
has slandered me to point out"
"Well for him." | boosted. "for am
dangerous when you smile upon me.
Bill, mistress. there is one question
would ask"
And | will answer Il II | cam.
"Your other lovers, have you forgot.
ten themT
"Slr Verrall!"
Pardon. mistress, but a lover Is
u jealous fellow. He must walk alone
In his lady's garden or walk not there
at all. And beauty cannot hide itself
i have seen many a gallant waiting
for one smile from you. Therefore l
ask the question"
my lovers they may be, but no
heart chord OF mine have they touch
cd. Perchance | smiled, my lord.
Would you always have me frown-
ingT'
"Nay, mistress, but there are smiles
which only should have. pray you
smile not so upon them"
mot on one. my lord. promise
you"
mot even on
"On whom?'
"On Count vasca. He surely loves
you, and he is valiant knight"
"Loves me. Perhaps once he did.
but now II is the princess he would
win a gracious word from. Valiant,
you say. yet know one more valiant
than he. My heart leaped toward you
as Count yasca rolled to earth that
day"
II have had greater affairs TO settle
than that, MISTRESS" and. fool that |
was, l almost blushed 10 think how
far truth had retreated from me.
"xlhQn | seek 10 nrOvQ Won IN shall