knew that he could never doubt again of the eternal goodness
and the faithful tender love of the Father. And all the while the dawn
slowly brightened over the wood, and came up very slowly and
graciously out of the east. Then Paul gave word that he must return to
the castle, but would come back soon. And as he mounted the steps, he
saw that there was a man pacing on the terrace above, and knew that it
was the Knight Richard, whom he sought. So he went up on the terrace,
and there he saw the young Knight looking out over the forest; Paul
went softly up to him and laid his hand upon his shoulder, and the
Knight turned upon him a haggard and restless eye. Then Paul said,
"Sir Richard, I come from the Isle of Thorns--but I have more to say
to you. You are a noble Knight and have done very worthily--and I
yield to you with all my heart the dear Margaret, for we are brother
and sister, and nought else, now and henceforth." Then Sir Richard, as
though he hardly heard him aright, stood looking upon his face; and
Paul took his hand very gently in both his own, and said, "Yes, it is
even so--and we will be brothers too." Then he went within the
castle--and lying down in his chamber he slept peacefully like a
little child.

V

Many years have passed since that day. First Sir Richard wedded the
Lady Margaret, and dwelt at the Isle of Thorns. A boy was born to
them, whom they named Paul, and a daughter whom they called Helen. And
Paul was much with them, and had great content. He made, men said,
sweeter music than ever he had done, in those days. Then the Duke
died; and Paul, though his skill failed not, and though the King
himself would have had him to his Court, went back to the House of
Heritage, and there dwelt alone, a grave and kindly man, very simple
of speech, and loving to walk and sit alone. And Sir Richard and the
Lady Margaret bought an estate hard by and dwelt there.

Now Paul would make no more music, save that he sometimes played a
little on the lute for the pleasure of the Lady Margaret; but he took
into his house a boy whom he taught the art; and when he was trained
and gone into the world, to make music of his own, Paul took
another--so that as the years went on, he had sent out a number of his
disciples to be minstrels; so his art was not lost; and one of these,
who was a very gracious child named Percival, he loved better than the
rest, because he saw in him that he had a love f