46 The Flame-Flower

Honora rose, and pressed her hand upon
her forehead. ‘Why am I not rich and
great like Patricia?” she said angrily.
“Why is our home so mean—this land so
dull and boorish? Let me go to the city
of the South, where there are palaces ot
marble, and great shows, and splendour!
You—you are not a soldier like the captains
of the South—you wear no gilded armour and
fine plumes, but dress in leather and coarse
stuff, and herd with clowns!. Leave me!”

Then Evan bowed his head, and took
the child by the hand, and went out to
sorrow ; and the wolf howled mockingly in
the distant forest.

Often after that did Evan seek for
Honora, ever finding her in the forest and
leading her home; and each time she came
more unwillingly. The people began to
talk of this and to shake their heads when
they spoke of Evan and his wife, whispering
that they held communion with evil spirits
and wolves; and they drew away as Evan
passed.

One day, at this time, when Evan walked