The Romance of a Water-Lily. 95

 

there’s not a man here would brave the fairies of the
Rhéne islets if he believed in them. Dost know the
tale, Salome? He who at the full moon plucks a
handful of the lilies that blow where lake and river
meet, may chance to see one of the fairies to whom
they belong, and he who sees the fairy”—added
Mother Falaise, dropping her voice to a dramatic
whisper—“is a dead man within the year.”

Again youths and maidens looked from one to the

-other, and a shadow fell upon the little company
that was not only the shadow of twilight as the sun
sank behind the mountains. __

Only Michael’s face was as though transfigured by
joy as he gazed still at Salome, who glanced at him
now with her lips parted and fear in her grey eyes.

“Ay, my mother, ‘tis a good thought,” cried he,
gaily. “Iwill go. The moon is propitious—she is
at the full. This very even will I go. And Mistress
Salome will. perchance accept the lilies of the Rhéne

fairies in token of my sorrow at the misfortune that
has occurred.”