Argosy, Vol. 120, No. 1 — page 118: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

These words had a stunning effect upon the infatuated king. He stood, immobile, for some maments, and thea drawing him- self to his full height, he motioned mmperi- ously toward the door. Doiia Judith bowed low, and as she made ber exit, walking backward, she announced softly: “I have already forgotten what has just taken place. i beseech your majesty to do the same.” : CHAPTER XLI, WITH THE QUEEN. THRE king did net respond, and Dona Judith hastened away. She at once sought an audience with the queen. Her majesty was with her confessor. Isabella was a most able ruler, and neglected none of the arduous duties fallmg to her share as cosovereign ‘of ome of the most active nations of the world, at the time of its most active life; still, she always made oppor- tunities piously to perform ali the duties enjomed by that church which she loved more than anything else on earth. Dofia Judith waited until Queen Isabella would see her, and when finalfy she entered. the presence of the “‘ beautiful, pious woman of imperturbable royalty,” it was with a feeling of having reached haven after a ter- rible storm. Judith fell on her knees before the queen, and kissed her hand, then she burst into ‘“ What's the matter, child? What has happened?” Isabella inquired, with no visi- bie sign of the perturbation that stirred within her. Dofia Judith calmed herself and recited simply: ‘“ I attempted to escape from Spain, . desire to know. I now fied x in- expedient to remaim m my own apart- ment, and pray your gracious majesty to allow me to remain near the sanctity of your person.” It was as plainly as the girl dared speak, “T shall see to tt that you are housed with me from now. en,” the queen com- forted. Judith gratefully kissed the strong There was a silence, and fmaily the queen asked kindly: “ Was it very terri- bie, child?” ‘“No, madam,” judith corrected. “I have already forgotten it, and ajthough I have told you nothing, I pray yeu to for- get what I may have implied.” “Where were you going, had you es- caped?” The beautiful blue eyes of the queen looked tenderly down upon the sup- pliant. “T was striving to reach him,” she be- gan. , : “ Who?” Isabella's tone was synapathetic. ““ The man I love—Arthur Lake—te who bis majesty wrongly supposes is conspiring with me in some dangerous way.” “You know where he is?” Isabella de- manded sharply. “Yes, your majesty,” Judith responded. “ And, if you will give me your promise to keep the secret, I will tell you.”’ The fair-haired queen smiled. “It is not necessary,” she responded. “I have no This affair is my hus- band's. I will in no way interfere. I wish you all good. And, if I were that young man, I would marry you at once and take you home, and—” “If the opportunity ever offers, will you aid us?” Dofia Judith cried. “If I can do so without meddling with, the king’s plans,” the queen announced loyally. ‘“‘God bless you,” Judith whispered gratefully. “It is not possible for him to come to Spain now, but some day he will, and then, I expect to hold your majesty to your promise.”’ ; “And J will keep it,” Isabella declared. cCoOmiclooks.cO