Page:Zodiac stories by Blanche Mary Channing.pdf/288

Rh moment the door was opened, and a servant announced,—

"The Duchess awaits his lordship."

The boy's brow cleared, and he ran to his mother's room with a light heart.

Lady Hildegarde lay upon a couch, her eyes full of loving welcome.

"A hundred birthdays be granted thee, my son!" she whispered, tenderly pressing him to her breast, and kissing his cheek. "See what I have made for thee."

She held up a silk scarf beautifully embroidered, and fringed with gold.

"It is splendid, Mother! Shall I bind it on my arm like a favor? Yes—and then I shall be your knight, to fight for you!"

He fell, laughing, on one knee, and the Duchess, leaning over, tied the scarf about his velvet sleeve.

"My little knight!" she said tenderly.

At that instant the baying of dogs was heard from the courtyard below, and Conrad sprang to the window.