THE DARK FLOWER

by John Galsworthy




"Take the flower from my breast, I pray thee,
Take the flower too from out my tresses;
And then go hence, for see, the night is fair,
The stars rejoice to watch thee on thy way."

--From "The Bard of the Dimbovitza."





THE DARK FLOWER



PART I--SPRING


I


He walked along Holywell that afternoon of early June with his short
gown drooping down his arms, and no cap on his thick dark hair. A youth