oa he Romance of a Water-Lily. 93

 

Duplessis’ window, and that’s how ne mishap befell
the herd at all.”

Several of the lads laughed at this, and Judith said
scoffingly— ;

“T thought that old story was a worn-out tale
nowadays, mother.”

But Salome had looked up and Michael even
clasped his hands, waiting on her words.

“T always set the fairies’ portion,” said the girl,
proudly.

“Ay, and last night it was poisoned,” added the
youth; “for I saw it curdled, and tasted it; and
beneath the window there was a sprig of henbane.”

The people looked from one to the other in
unacknowledged horror, and a low exclamation
escaped Salome’s lips; but the girl Judith dropped
her eyes and grew rosy red.

She burst forth, however, presently with a rough
laugh, “Ah! you were singing your fine roundelays
_ beneath Mistress Salome’s window, I suppose. That
is how you came to be by. Well, I for one have no