th more prudence than her wont, thinking, "What has
passed, that Tristan does not come to meet me? He has seen some foe."

Suddenly, by the clear moonshine, she also saw the King's shadow in
the fount. She showed the wit of women well, she did not lift her
eyes.

"Lord God," she said, low down, grant I may be the first to speak."

"Tristan," she said, "what have you dared to do, calling me hither at
such an hour? Often have you called me --to beseech, you said. And
Queen though I am, I know you won me that title--and I have come. What
would you?"

"Queen, I would have you pray the King for me."

She was in tears and trembling, but Tristan praised God the Lord who
had shown his friend her peril.

"Queen," he went on, "often and in vain have I summoned you; never
would you come. Take pity; the King hates me and I know not why.
Perhaps you know the cause and can charm his anger. For whom can he
trust if not you, chaste Queen and courteous, Iseult?"

"Truly, Lord Tristan, you do not know he doubts us both. And I, to add
to my shame, must acquaint you of it. Ah! but God knows if I lie,
never went cut my love to any man but he that first received me. And
would you have me, at such a time, implore your pardon of the King?
Why, did he know of my passage here to-night he would cast my ashes to
the wind. My body trembles and I am afraid. I go, for I have waited
too long."

In the branches the King smiled and had pity.

And as Iseult fled: "Queen," said Tristan, "in the Lord's name help
me, for charity."

"Friend," she replied, "God aid you! The King wrongs you but the Lord
God will be by you in whatever land you go."

So she went back to the women's rooms and told it to Brangien, who
cried: "Iseult, God has worked a miracle for you, for He is
compassionate and will not hurt the innocent in heart."

And when he had left the orchard, the King said smiling:

"Fair nephew, that ride you planned is over now."

But in an open glade apart, Frocin, the Dwarf, read in the clear stars
that the King now meant his death; he blackened with shame and fear
and fled into Wales.

THE DISCOVERY

King Mark made peace with Tristan. Tristan returned to the castle as
of old. Tristan slept in the King's chamber with his peers. He could
come or go, the King thought no more of it.

Mark had pardoned the felons, and as the seneschal, Dinas of Lidan,
found the dwarf wandering in a forest abandoned, he brought him home,
and the King h