Gaspar's purpose may yield some grace to thy ill-prospered love. Hie
home then, and wait a little for the flood of fortune. I've faith that
thy ill-luck will shortly change to good."

The stranger turned away. Gulielmo, in mute surprise, watched his steps
a while, and then hastened along the winding path which led him back to
his own cottage door.





CHAPTER II.

PAS SEUL BY MOONLIGHT.




The moon hung high in silver light above the village and the quiet
fields which lay beyond, when a gallant train came in order down the
unfrequented street. Appareled gaily, each cavalier wore roquelaure and
belt, and in their midst they bore a prisoner--the veteran Jean.
Reaching at length the grassy market-place, they halted and formed a
ring, in the midst of which they placed their captive. Some of the
number drew from underneath their short cloaks instruments of music,
while others cleared their throats as if about to sing. Presently there
stepped apart a masked form, who thus gave command in a rude sort of
rhyme: