Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1914-07-16
CHAPTER xxIV.-contInued.

To the twanging of the deft black
fingers, they passed in gorgeous array
between files of low-cut gowns and
fower-Iike faces and masculine swal-
Iow-taiIs, 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 ieweled chasing but tinsel
and paste? On her head it glowed and
trembled, a true diadem. AS Valiant
set the gIittering 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
single paragraph he had lighted on in
an old book ia the library-a history-Of
the last Crusade in French black-let-
ter. He had translated and memorized
the archaic phTasing. keeping the
quaint feeling of the original:
These noble knights bow in your
presence, fair lady, as their ieige,
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 Iowly 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-
vaiIing"
A hushed rustic of applause-not
loud: the meTest 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 rtted their best ideals.
The queens curts2v was the signal
for the music, when throbbed sudden
ly 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 quadrille It was the old
fashioned lancers, but the deliberate
strain lent the familiar measures some
thing of the stately effect of the min.
yet
Quadrilles were not invented as aids
to conversation, and John Valiants
and Shirley's was necessarily limited
The decorations are simply deli
ciOus. she said as they faced, each
other briefly. How did you manage
ito"
Home talent with a vengeance. Tn
Gle Jefferson and did it with our lit
tie hatchets. But the roses"
They were swooped apart and Shir
ley found herself cartsying to Chilly
Lusk, More than queen." he SAID
under his breath. 4 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 All haven't seen such a Iovely
dance for yeahs!" she sighed Isn't
Shirley too sweet? If All had hair like
hers, All wouldn't speak to a soul OF
earth!"
The exigencies of the figure gave nc
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 Il
wear crown" she laughed. Queen.
should be regal Miss Fargo would
have"
The music swept the rest away. bu
not the look of binding reproach h,
gave her that made her heart throl
wildly as she glided on.
The last note of the quadrille slip
ped into q waltz dreamily slow. ant
Valiant put his arm about Shirley ant
they foated away. Once before, in TIL
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