The Flame-Flower 45

more than his fellows; and the conquerors
had spoken less of evil spirits than of dryades
or wood fairies, and of naiades or nymphs of
the fountains, and of fauns; and these were
harmless to men and beautiful. Yet Evan
also seldom went in the forests, fearing that
men should think evil of him.

Now, in much grief and wonder, hardly
knowing whither he went, he strayed into
the borders of the woods, and so came upon
Honora sitting under a great oak; she
seemed not to see him as he advanced, but
gazed gloomily upon the ground; and it
seemed to him that he saw in the gloom
behind her the shadow of the wolf. Then
Evan took her by the hand and led her
home, and brought Flamma to her.

But Honora took no heed of the child.
She said, “Leave me alone, for I am weary
and ill-content!”

‘“What would you have, Honora?” Evan
said. “Will I not give you all that is in
my power, even to my life, if you will?
Speak to the child, for she pines at your
neglect. Why are you changed so?”