Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1914-05-28
CHAPTER xxIv.-continued,

vim . 80 SSAANitI1SAH
To the twanging of the def black
fingers, they passed in gorgeous array
between files of low-cut gowns and
dower-like faces and masculine swal-
iow-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 it glowed and
trembled, a 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
dowery periods as would have rolled
from the majors soul. He had chosen
p 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
nntn uOnr Gaa1 CroCa -, o1 1oYuIxy x1vieo
as they can. 0 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.
1t was the first sight many there had
had of John Valiant and in both looks
11Iu AidllbVl AO hNLCu LuC1l bCpL luCdlbs
The queens curtsey was the signal
for the music, which throbbed sudden
ly 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.
uet.
Quadrilles we're 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 | did 1t with our lit
tie hatchets. But the roses-
They were swooped apart and Shir.
ley found herself curtsying to Chilly
Lusk. More than queeni" he said
under his breath. IT had my heart
set on naming you today. | 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. ISM
Shirley too sweet? If All had hair like
hers, All wouldn't speak to a soul on
earth!y
The ~exigencies Of the, figure gave nc
space for answer, and presently, after
certain labyrinthine evolutions, Shir
iey's eyes we're gazing into his again