The herald-advance. (Milbank, S.D.) 1890-1922, 1914-10-09
CHAPTER xxiv.-continued.

oAAS
myers, they passed in gorgeous array
between files of low-cut gowns and
dower-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 n knee, the eleven ladies-in-
waiting curtsied low, and Shirley, seat
ed upon h dais, leaned her Furnished
head to receive the crown. What
though the bauble was but bristol
board. its ieweled chasing but tinsel
and paste? On her head it giowed and
frembled, a true diadem. AS Valiant
set the glittering thing on those rich
a wonderful coils. the music of her
presence was singing a swift melody
In his blood.
His coronation address held no such
nowery periods as would have rolled
from the majors soul. He had chosen
= single paragraph he had lighted on in
IN old book in the library-a history-of
p last Crusade in French black-let-
ser He had translated and memorized
q 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 ever in judgment,
as dainty in fulfilling these our acts
OF arms, and do recommend their all
INTO 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 a 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.
It 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
Tor the music, which throbbed sudden
~ into q march, and she stepped down
beside him. Couple after couple,
knights and ladies, ranged behind
them, till the t~wenty-four stood ready
for the royal quadrille. It was the old
fashioned lancers. but the deliberate
strain lent the fan liar measures some
thing Of the stately effect Of the min
net.
Quadrilles were not invented as aids
70 conversation. and John Valiant's
and Shirley's was necessarily limited.
The decorations art, simply deli
cious!" she said as they faced each
other briefly. How did you manage
IT."
Home talent with a vengeance. I'm
Gle Jefferson and l did it with our lit
de hatchets. But the roses"
They were swooped apart and Shir.
10y found herself curtsying to Chilly
Lusk. More than queen!" he said
under his breath. Il had my heart
Get on naming o today. reckon
I've lost my rabbit-foot!"
Opposite. in turn, Betty Page had
llipped her dainty hand In John Val
1Ant's "Ah haven't seen such q lovely
dance for yeahs!" she sighed. Isn't
Shirley too sweet! II All had hair like
herr, Al wouldn't speak to q soul on
oarth!"
The e~xigencies or the figure gave no
gDace tor answer. and presently. after
ooFtaia labyrinthine e~volutions, shir-
tDyas syss we're gazing into his again.
~E3ow adorable you look!" he whis-
Doroo, ~ he bowed over her hand.