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18 ISABEL OF ANGOULESME. dered the rowers to "speed," and a very few minutes landed and found them safe within the gates of Bordeaux.

In the mean time the Count de la Marche had landed at his chateau with his beloved Isabel Tailleffer; who, as John's informant had stated, had long been betrothed to him, and for some months had been placed under his protection by her father, the Count of Angoulesme; but their nuptials had not yet taken place on account of her extreme youth. They proceeded to the long hall, where the servants had prepared the light evening meal; and as they sat side by side, ¹ and La Marche's lip touched her cheek, she thought— not enough of heaven.

“A pedlar stands at the gate, my Lord, and though I have told him the lady Isabel was well prepared, he insists upon it he has a head wreath no bride would refuse to buy," said a female attendant entering with breathless haste.

“Nay, girl," interrupted the Count, and he smiled on his young bride, “the lady Isabel and f are indebted to the pedlar for his attention.We will see this magic wreath let him enter."

The maiden retired well pleased with the order, for her guerdon if she brought a successful message, was no less a consideration than a tempting new piece— one of the novel coin just issued— and an old mark, would have won the sly abigail to have undertaken a far greater achievement than that of winning her lord's consent to admit one who bore a present worthy of purchase for the bride he doted on. “Twas true she had made many objections to the mission, but then, each newly raised objection brought tempting promises of future presents, till “Methinks, old man, thy conscience might trouble thee; I wonder thou art not ashamed to put such profits on thy ware as will enable thee to make presents to timid maidens," said the girl.

“Nay, maiden, 'tis not every one boasts eyes as bright as thine. I will wager this golden ring," at the same time drawing one from his case, “that thy mistress has not brighter; and I know, maiden, I should not lose it to thee, so e'en take it;" and as she raised her hand to open the door, the wily pedlar slid the ring on the hand of the nothing loath waiting woman; and, be it known, the next day would make her the wife of the tall handsome valet of La Marche, consequently all those fine presents and promises could not have come more opportunely.

Meanwhile the pedlar entered the presence of Isabel and the Count; and the abigail waited on the outer side for his returning, to conduct him again through the long winding galleries. The contents of the pack were displayed, rings, necklaces, breast knots, all "inimitable;" and, amongst the rest, the boasted head wreath.

“That wreath, my Lord, I swear was purchased for the Queen of England," said the pedlar, holding it daintily between his thumb and first finger tips.

“It is, indeed, beautiful," said Isabel; “but hark, my lord, the warder's horn sounds."

“'Tis doubtless, love, some of our good friends come to rest the night with us, before the morrow's fete. I will receive them in another chamber: do thou purchase what in this motley collection pleaseth thee best." So saying he smiled on her, and left the hall.

“Nay, good man, what thou askest is a purse of gold."

“Even so, lady: but look at the large pearls, and think how many one of those delicate roses contains," returned the pedlar, drawing more closely to her.

“Ay, 'tis true, and 'tis very beautiful; but I must look lower in thy pack; such an expensive -bauble does not become Isabel Tailleffer; so thou must e'en bear it to the Queen of England— and—"

“Place it on her fair brows," concluded the pedlar, snatching up the wreath, and placing it on Isabel's long silken hair with one hand, and with the other, raising the grey scalp from his own head, discovered to the astonished girl King John of England! “Nay, fair lady, attempt not to speak; I know all you would say; excuses for behaving with so little ceremony and surprise at seeing me here in such a garb; yes, I know all; this is not my business here dost not think the wreath becomes thy silken tresses?"

“Pardon me, Sire," said Isabel, endeavouring to free her hand from his close grasp, “I must warn my lord whose host he is. The King of England must not remain here in indignity any longer; and—"

“But stay, Isabel Tailleffer; the wreath, I would know ere you leave me, if you think it will best become the Countess de la Marche, or the Queen of England?"

“The royal Avise, Sire," she replied, taking it from her head.

“Nay, I meant not her"

“Did not you say the Queen of England, Sire?"

“As truly, Isabel, as I meant thee as such"

“Hush, hush, Sire; an' I knew not thy talent for saying gallant speeches, I should say it becomes not me to listen to thee; but I should indeed be vain to imagine thy words to be in earnest. But I will leave my good Lord only a few moments to bid the Count to his guest—"

"Stay, Isabel of Angoulesme, I command thee, and listen to what I say ay, and in earnest. Avise is no longer my consort; 1 shall obtain a dispensation from the Pope to cancel my marriage vows. I have loved thee since the moment I gazed on thee to night; nay, hear me out; I had wished to win thy free consent to share my throne, but as thou art so madly resolved to refuse our gracious offer, know that I have sworn on the holy cross to possess thee—"

"Never, never! John of England, thou durst not tear the betrothed from the altar—" her feelings overcame her, and she fainted.

John attempted not to revive her, but kneeling by her side he pressed his lips on her icy cheek, and exclaimed—

"Were thou less beautiful, I could pity thee, but as it is, thou must be mine. I will now to thy father; ambition is marked on his high brow and