r him; he put all his burdens and sorrows,
his art, and all himself within the mighty hands; and he 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 Perciva