Page:Stories after Nature.pdf/65

Rh saw him asleep beneath a tree at a well's side. At the sight of his countenance again, her heart beat violently.

He had been wandering and watching with a miserable heart through the night, with sorrow that knows no custom; and being wearied, had cast himself down in the morning, to snatch a few moments of oblivious sleep. Zara went gently to him, and sat herself at his feet, watching his uneasy slumber. His face had recovered some colour, and his eyes were a little stained with weeping. Three hours she sat and stirred not, but gazed upon his face. At length he awoke; and having assured himself that it was no dream, his sorrow gave way to courtesy, his courtesy to tenderness, and tenderness increased to love and affection. The lady well believed all he said; not only because she was willing, but moreover, her life existed only in such a speech; so she cast off her purple and gold, put on a dress of skins, and walked with him; and married him that day.

When the morning came, no whit repenting of her great change, she sent one to her father, telling who she had married, and saying, "I love the choice that my heart has made, better than gold, or price, or kingdoms, or renown; and am content with the little honour that is in