The Clio messenger. (Clio, Mich.) 1907-current, 1914-09-11
CHAPTER xxIv.-continued.

fingers, they passed In gorgeous array
between files of low-cut gowns and
flower-like faces and masculine swal-
low-tails, to the yellow parlor Once
there the music ceased with a splendid
crash, the eleven knights each dropped
upon one knee, the eleven ladies-in-
waiting curtsied low, and Shirley, seat
ed upon the dais. leaned her FURNISHED
head to receive the crown What
though the bauble was but bristol
board, its jeweled chasing but tinsel
and paste? On her head 1t glowed and
trembled. true diadem. AS Valiant
set the glittering thing on those rich
and wonderful coils, the music Of her
presence was singing a swift melody
in his blood.
His coronation address held no such
fiowery periods as would have rolled
from the majors soul. He had chosen
single paragraph he had lighted on In
an old book in the library-a history-of
the last Crusade In French black-let-
ter. He had translated and memorized
the archaic phrasing. keeping the
quaint feeling Of the original:
These noble knights bow In your
presence, fair lady, as their leige,
whom they know as even in judgment,
as dainty in fulfilling these our acts
of arms, and do recommend their all
unto your Good Grace in as lowly wise
as they can. o queen, in whom the
whole story Of virtue Is written with
the language of beauty, your eyes,
which have been only wont to discern
the bowed knees Of kneeling hearts
and, inwardly turned, found always
the heavenly solace Of q sweet mind,
see them, ready in heart and able with
hands not only to assailing but to pre-
vailing."
A hushed rustic Of applause-not
loud: the merest whisper Of silken
feet and feathered fans tapped softly
testified to a widespread appreciation.
1t was the first sight many there had
had of John Valiant and in both looks
and manner he fitted their best ideals.
The queens curtsey was the signal
for the music, which throbbed sudden
1y into a march, and she stepped down
beside him. Couple after couple,
knights and ladies. ranged behind
them, till the twenty-four stood ready
for the royal quadrille. 1t was the old
fashioned lancers, but the deliberate
strain lent the familiar measures some
thing of the stately effect Of the min
net.
Quadrilles were not invented as aids
to conversation, and John Valiant's
and Shirley's was necessarily limited
THE decorations are simply deli
cious!" she said as they faced each
other briefly. How did you manage
it?"
Home talent with a vengeance. Un-
Gle Jefferson and I did It with our lit
tie hatchets. But the roses"
They were swooped apart and Shir.
ley found herself curtsying to Chilly
Lusk. More than queen!" he said
under his breath. II had my heart
set on naming you today. I reckon
I've lost my rabbit-foot!"
Opposite, in turn, Betty Page had
slipped her dainty hand in John Val
iant's. "Ah haven't seen such a lovely
dance for yeahs!" she sighed. Isn't
Shirley too sweet? II All had hair like
hers, All wouldn't speak to soul on
-earth!"
The exigencies Of the figure gave no
space for answer, and presently. after
certain labyrinthine evolutions, Shir.
ley's eyes were gazing into his again.
How adorable you look!" he whis-
pered. as he bowed over her hand.
How does 1t feel to be a queen?"
This little head was never made to
wear a crown" she laughed. Queens
should be regal. Miss Fargo would
have"
The music swept the rest away, but
not the look Of binding reproach he
gave her that made her heart throb
wildly as she glided on.
81
The last note Of the quadriIls slip
ped into q waltz drcamily slow, and
Valiant put his arm about Shirley an6
Sheg Hoatsd away. Once before = -