The Flame-Flower 49

black cloud like a wolf across the setting
‘sun, and Honora thrust Flamma away.
Then Flamma, weeping, went to another
window and gazed out at the meadows; and
in the dusk she saw a little cluster of strange
flowers that showed among the grass like
little flames of fire. The wolves, too, saw
them at a distance, and fled back. Then
the flowers were gone; but Flamma ceased
to weep, though she knew not why.

The next morning, when Evan awoke,
Honora was gone from the house. He went
out from the door to seek her; and there
met him a great throng of men, with staves
and javelins in their hands, clamouring.

And they sprang forward to kill him at
his door; but Flamma came out and stood
by his side, gazing upon them.

Then they drew back because of the beauty
of the child, but they cried to Evan, ‘Get
you gone into the forests to herd with the
wolves and spirits; for if we find you here
when the sun be risen, you shall die!”

One hurled a javelin at Evan, and it
stuck in the doorpost, quivering.

D