The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1913-02-19
Continued1
CHAPTER TX.

 tentdons. I spoke about the prisoners to Walen, and he did not sympathize with me at all. He was good fellow, but, after ali, a barbarian. Even in the palace there was high reveI, much feasting and drinking, some unfit testing too. Still, these jests were not spoken in the hearing of the princess, nor did a knight un- steadily approach her. Doubtless she knew that such things happened, but she did not eountenance them, al though she could not altogether pre- vent them others, although I was now a. popular hero. Somewhat piqued, determined that she should understand that cared no more for her than for any other woman.
 A dozen lovers were ready to my hand, and for sport chose one part 1y, partly for revenge. The Lady AL drida did not becken me now. Of my own accord I went to her, and she drew her gown aside that I might sit by her. "You honor me, Sir VerraIl-''
 May, mistress; it is ever the lady who honoreth the knight when she ac- cepts his company" Auo OACS EOu SWO1O tlhL yOu WS1O rough of speech; not given to paying 1 comp1iments.'' She cast down her eyes as she said it. She looked beautiful, and I was in the mood to like her beauty.
 Said sop I asked, leaning toward her until the scent of her hair was in my nostr1ls. indeed you did" 'rYou must have frowned then, sweet mistress, or could not have been so 1 ungal1ant. When you smile the veri- est churl could not help but say pret- l ty things" "Once it was said that could you use l your sword as you used your tongue 1 you would be B great warrior. Now "And noWF' I asked, touching the lace upon her sleeve in a sort of mute caress.
 "Ah, Sir Verral1, you have proved 1 yourself with your sword, yet doubt if it can work greater damage than your tongue 'sEach to it's business,'' answered l gayly-etthe sword for the heart of man, the tongue for the heart of woman
 "Any man or any womanP'
 May, you wrong me; Ivow it. The man must be a foe as surely as the woman one love- l Had you said so when you paid no compliments I might have believed you,'' she whispered And I whispered just as low: l Mistress, I will quarrel with you if 1 you believe me not now" fQuarrel!'' she said, with an anxious look, little hand laid upon my arm.
 ''Then believe" had E,1----,,7 I11fov- E,o,. ~-o+ l she stood heart whole. It was my own Victory-success where others had failed.
 And deeper yet dived, blindfold, as i it were.
 Mistress. if you would, prove my fafth.''
 She looked up suddenly, interrupting
 he.
 May IP'
 "How and when you win," T an 1 swered.
 ''Not now" she laughed. 'I have no quest to set you to, no enemy who has slandered me to point out''
 "WelI for h11n,' boasted, flor I am l dangerous when you smile upon me. Still, mistress, there is one question I would ask.''
 'tAnd will answer it If can.' | y
 ten them?''
 'tSir Verran!' Pardon, mistress, but lover is 1 jealous fellow. He must walk alone
 in his lady's garden or walk not there l at ali And beauty cannot hide itself. I have seen many 8 gallant waiting
 for one smile from you. Therefore I l ask the question" 1 My lovers they may be, but no
 heart chord of mine have they touch l ed. Perchance I smiled, my lord. l Would you always have me frown- l ing?"
 1 May, mistress, but there are smiles 1 which only should have. I pray you
 smile not So upon them.'
 Mot on one, my lord, I promise you"
 "Not even on''- "On whom?''
 "On Count vasca. He surely loves you, and he is valiant knight"
 "Loves me. Perhaps once he did, but now--it is the princess he would
 win gracious word from. Valiant, l you say, yet I know one more valiant than he. My heart leaped toward you as Count Vasca rolled to earth that day"
 +'I have had greater affairs to settle than that, mistress" and, fool that I was, almost blushed to think how 1 far truth had retreated from me E'When seek to prove you it shall | be hard task then,'' she whispered. I EnG then she stood up suddenly 1 ''There is music in the lower room l My feet long to dance, since my heart l is light. Will you take me?' believe I would have married her i there and then had she asked, so great l a fool was I. The Lady Aldrida danced gracefully, l and do not think I disgraced her as | a partner. I did my best to please, for was glad to lead her through the | dance.
 The dance over, pledged her in 1 wine. sealing. as it were. the words I