StNicholas [serial] . spoke. As his arm grew better he played countlessgames. He showed Elena how the gardencould be transformed into a tourney-field; hewas her knight, and fought imaginary foes forthe glory of his lady, after which Elena crownedhim with myrtle, and they sang songs togetheras a fit ending for the ceremony. Once, at midday, they were lounging on acouch under a balcony, quite tired out withplay. Margian dozed in her corner over herembroidery, and the children talked. Granada,as ever, was the theme — that city of fairyarches, deep groves, and palaces each largeenough to house an


StNicholas [serial] . spoke. As his arm grew better he played countlessgames. He showed Elena how the gardencould be transformed into a tourney-field; hewas her knight, and fought imaginary foes forthe glory of his lady, after which Elena crownedhim with myrtle, and they sang songs togetheras a fit ending for the ceremony. Once, at midday, they were lounging on acouch under a balcony, quite tired out withplay. Margian dozed in her corner over herembroidery, and the children talked. Granada,as ever, was the theme — that city of fairyarches, deep groves, and palaces each largeenough to house an army. Reduans eyeswere shining proudly. My father says that for beautiful Granadahe would die a hundred times over. For Gra-nada is dearer than the dearest of her sons. Who is thy father ? Muza Gazan, whom Granada loves. Someday he shall save her, for there is no fear in hisheart, and he is so wise. And was he, too, taken ? asked Elena. By the holy prophet, no! Allah couldnot so forget his faithful. But once he was. the court rang with reduans gay laugh as the leopard leaped over a stickhe held high in air. (see next page.) n8 ELENA S CAPTIVE. [Dec. almost gone. We were on the banks of thebrook Mingozales. My father was on his horsein the stream, fighting with three foot-soldiers,and then I came near, and — then — Theboys head bowed suddenly, and Elena saw adeep blush mount his cheek. I cannot tell thee more, he said, with a sobin his throat. The next day Elena found him still sorrowful. Come and play, she said eagerly, pullinghis hands. Fair Elena, I am not worthy to play withthee, answered the boy, with the solemn man-ner of his first greeting. Now, that is foolish, responded Elena. My father says Muza Gazan is worthy to bewith the greatest in Spain. Muza Gazan, yes, but not Muza Gazansson. Nay, send me back to the soldier. Itwould have been better if he had killed me atfirst. Reduan, what ails thee to-day ? askedElena, tenderly, trying to put her arms aroundhim. But he


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Keywords: ., bookauthordodgemar, bookcentury1800, bookdecade1870, bookyear1873