ever! Whoever touches you will have to walk over me. But I
will give them all they need."

She went out, taking the light with her, to see what was the matter--if
anything. She was careful to leave Walter in the dark long enough for
him to wish for her return. The tables were being turned. A little
more, and the boy would seek protection under her apron.

"But, Juffrouw----"

"I will let you call me Christine. That's my name."

This was too much for Walter. He preferred to avoid addressing her
directly.

"But hadn't I better go home now?"

"Not at all. You don't want to leave me, do you? You know your mother
is in bed asleep now. Besides, it was understood that you were to
spend the night here and take breakfast with me."

Breakfast! The boy hadn't been doing anything else for an hour. Was
that to continue till morning?

"I'll tell you what! Just undress yourself; and you needn't be a bit
ashamed before me. I will make down a pallet for you there in the
corner. When I'm here alone--just a woman--with all the thieves and
robbers--oh, it's so horrible!"

Walter did not dare to say no; nor did he dare to do what was proposed
so enticingly. He hesitated.

She talked sweetly and persuaded him.

He began to----

The child was as if hypnotized.

O Fancy, Fancy! Where art thou?

CHAPTER XXVIII

It will be remembered that on this significant Friday a boat-race
had been arranged for the amusement of the visiting princes and
princesses. It had to be called off on account of a disinclination
on the side of the wind to fill its part of the program, or rather,
to fill the sails. For it was to have been a "sail." Rowing was not
in style then; it was not considered dignified and manly. Besides,
the boats were not built to be propelled in this way.

The boat-race had been canceled; but the crowd remained, and continued
to discharge its enthusiasm for royalty till a late hour. It was a
great day; and the populace perspired and shouted and howled.

It was so hot that kings and princesses perspired like ordinary
mortals. They flourished fans indolently. At that time there was a
special kind of fan: "joujoux de Normandie."

It was observed that the old countess-palatine manipulated her fan more
elegantly than anyone else. No doubt it was through this "gentle art"
that she exerted her greatest influence on humanity.

Gradually the carriages of the distinguished guests disappeared,
and the knightly horsemen t