The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1914-06-25
CHAPTER xxIv.-continued.

CHAPTER XXlV.-Continued.
To the twanging of the deft black
fingers, they passed in gorgeous array
between files of low-cut gowns and
f1ower-like faces and masculine swal-
low-tails, to the yellow parlor Once
there the music ceased with 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, it's 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 swift melody
in his blood.
His coronation address held no such
fowery periods as would have rolled
from the majors soul. He had chosen
a single paragraph he had lighted on in
an old book in the library-a history-ot
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 sweet mind
see them, ready in heart and able witt
hands not only to assailing but to pre-
vailing."
A hushed rustic of applauss--not
loud: the merest whisper of silker
feet and feathered fans tapped softly
testified to a widespread appreciation
1t was the first sight many there ha(
had of John Valiant and in both looks
and manner he fitted their best ideals
The queens curtsey was the sigma
for the music, which throbbed sudden
ly into march, and she stepped dowr
beside him. Couple after couple
knights and ladies, ranged behind
y them, till the twenty-four stood ready
for the royal quadrille. It was the old
fashioned lancers, but the deliberate
strain lent the familiar measures some
thing OF the stately effect of the min
uet
Quadrilles were not invented as aids
to conversation, and John Valiant's
and Shirley's was necessarily limited
1.-THE decorations are simply deli
ciousi" she said as they faced each
other briefly. How did you manage
it?"
Home talent with a vengeance. I'm
Gle Jefferson and 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 saiG
under his breath. 81 had my hear
set on naming you today. l reckon
I've lost my rabbit-foot!"
Opposite, in turn, Betty Page hat
slipped her dainty hand in John Val
iant's "Ah haven't seen such lovely
dance for yeahs!" she sighed. Ism
Shirley too sweet? If All had hair like
hers, All wouldn't speak to a soul OF
earth!''
The exigencies of the figure gave NJ
space for answer, and presently. aftel
certain labyrinthine evolutions, Shir
ley's eyes were gazing into his again