busy. Twice he had sent word to her, but on both occasions had

regretted that he could not come personally because of the pressure

of state matters and the preparations for the ceremony that was to

take place in the cathedral in so short a time.

At last the hour arrived. The cathedral was filled to overflowing.

After the custom of Lutha, the bride had walked alone up the broad

center aisle to the foot of the chancel. Guardsmen lining the way on

either hand stood rigidly at salute until she stopped at the end of

the soft, rose-strewn carpet and turned to await the coming of the

king.

Presently the doors at the opposite end of the cathedral opened.

There was a fanfare of trumpets, and up the center aisle toward the

waiting girl walked the royal groom. It seemed ages to the princess

since she had seen her lover. Her eyes devoured him as he approached

her. She noticed that he limped, and wondered; but for a moment the

fact carried no special suggestion to her brain.

The people had risen as the king entered. Again, the pieces of the

guardsmen had snapped to present; but silence, intense and utter,

reigned over the vast assembly. The only movement was the measured

stride of the king as he advanced to claim his bride.

At the head of each line of guardsmen, nearest the chancel and upon

either side of the bridal party, the ranks were formed of

commissioned officers. Butzow was among them. He, too, out of the

corner of his eye watched the advancing figure. Suddenly he noted

the limp, and gave a little involuntary gasp. He looked at the

Princess Emma, and saw her eyes suddenly widen with consternation.

<<BackPagesTo menuNext>>