The state herald., 1914-08-07
CHAPTER xxiv.-contlnued.


To the twanging OF the deft black
fingers. they passed In gorgeous array
between files of low-cut gowns and
fower-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 ladiesin-
waiting curtsied low, and Shirley, seat
ed upon the dais. leaned her FURNISHED
head 10 receive the crown. What
though the bauble was but bristol.
board. its teweled chasing but tinsel
and paste? On her head II 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
fowery periods as would have rolled
from the majors soul. He had chosen
q 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. Jnwardly turned. found always
the heavenly solace OF sweet mind.
see them, ready in heart and able with
hands not only to assailing but to pre-
valling"
A hushed rustic OF applause-not
loud: the merest whisper OF silken
feet and feathered fans tapped softly
testified TO n widespread appreciation.
II 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
iy into 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 quadrllie. II was the old
fashioned lancers. but the deliberate
strain lent the familiar measures some
thing OF tho stately effect of the min
uet
Quadrilles were not invented as aid
10 conversation. and John valiant'i
and Shirley's was necessarily limited
The decorations are simply deli
ciouhl" she said as they faced eaci
other briefly. How did you manag.
it7"
Homo talent with vengeance. I'm
Gle Jefferson and ] did Il with our III
Tie hatchots. But the roses"
They were swoopod apart and shir
ley found herself ourtsying TO chill,
Lusk More than quoenl" he nai,
under bis breath. II had my hear
rct on naming you today. | reckon
I've lost my rabbitfoot,"
opposite. In turn. Betty Page hat
slipped her dainty hand In John Val
ihnts "Ah haven't seen such n Lowell,
dance for yoahsl" she sighed. ISM
Shirley too sweot1 n All had hair iik,
hers. All wouldn't sponk to "a soul OF
earth'"
Tho esigcneics OF the figure gave nc
space for answer. and presently. aftei
certain lnbyrlnthino oyolutlons. shlr
loy's eyes were gazing into his again
How adorable you looki" he whis
perci. as he bowed over her hand
How docs II fool TO bo n quecn?''
"Tbls little head was never made u
wear n crown" she laughed. "ouoeni
should be regal. Miss Fargo wouit
have"
Tho music swept tho rest away. bu
mot tho look Of binding roproaoh h,
gave her that made her heart throl
Wildly az she Elidod on.
The last note OF tho quadrIlle slip
ksd into waltz drcamliy slow. an,
Valiant put hla arm about Shirley ant
u.r nostse away. once before. In th,