52 The Flame-Flower

her golden hair, and took her hand in his,
hoping always that she might cast off this
sorcery—for that he knew it must be. But
she changed no more, nor would look upon
him, and drew away her hand from his.

One day Evan took
Flamma by the hand
when he went forth to
hunt ; for that day he feared
to be by himself, his grief
being too great to bear.

He stood, holding Flamma
by the hand, and gazed
upon the morning sun in
her hair; for a shaft of
light pierced the thick forest
and fell upon her; and he
3 stooped to kiss her.

" But a shadow passed across

them. Evan knew that it
was the shadow of the wolf. And he did
not kiss the child, but cast away her hand
from him, wondering at himself. He fled
from Flamma, hurrying away without pur-
pose. Soon he heard a step behind him,