Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1914-08-18
cHAPTER xxIv.-continued.

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 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 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
fiowery periods as would have rolled
from the majors soul. He had chosen
; single paragraph he had lighted on in
an old book in the library-a history-of
the last CrusaGe in French black-let-
ter. He had translated and memorized
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 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-
calling"
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 fitted their best ideals.
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. 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 we're not invented as aids
TO conversation. and John Valiants
and Shirley's was necessarily limited
1.-THE decorations are simply deli
cious!" she said as they faced each
other briefly. How did you manage
it?"
Home talent with vengeance I'm.
Gle Jefferson and l 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 said
under his breath. Il had my heart
set on naming you today. l reckon
I've lost my rabbit-footi'
Opposite. in turn. Betty Page had
slipped her dainty hand in John Val.
iant's '.Ah haven't seen such a lovely
dance for yeahsi" she sighed. Isn't
Shirley too sweet? II All had hair like
hers, All wouldn't speak to a soul on
EARTH"
The exigencies of the figure gave no
space for answer. and presently. after
certain labyrinthine evoluticns, Shir
ley's eyes were gazing into his again
How adorable you look!" he whis
pered, as he bowed over her hand
How does it feel to be queen?"
This little head was never made to
wear a crown" she laughed. Queens
should be regal. Miss Fargo would
have"
The music swept the rest away, but
not the look of binding reproach he
gave her that made her heart throt
wildly as she glided on.
The last note of the quadrille slip
ped into waltz dreamily slow. anG
Valiant put his arm about Shirley and
they hoased away. Once before. in the
-.