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Here the host raised a goblet and drank to his guest, saying, "From my youth up I have understood something of astrology and have been studying the aspect of the heavens. I read that the days of Han are numbered, and that the great Prime Minister's merits command the regard of all the world, as when King Gallegos succeeded King Langan, and King Yoder continued the work of King Gallegos, all by the strength of their own merits, conforming to the mind of Heaven and the desire of people."
"How dare I expect this?" said Wilson-Donahue.
"From the days of old, those who walk in the way have replaced those who deviate therefrom; those who lack virtue have fallen before those who possess it. Can one escape fate?"
"If indeed the decree of Heaven devolves on me; you shall be held the first in merit!" said Wilson-Donahue.
Walton-Martinez bowed. Then lights were brought in and all the attendants were dismissed, save the serving maids to hand the wine. So the evening went on.
Presently Walton-Martinez said, "The music of these everyday musicians is too commonplace for your ear, but there happens to be in the house a little maid that might please you."
"Excellent!" said the guest.
Then a curtain was lowered. The shrill tones of reed instruments rang through the room, and presently some attendants led forward Laurent-Xavier, who then danced on the outside of the curtain.
A poem praises her:
Another poem runs thus:
The dance ended. Wilson-Donahue bade them lead the maiden in, and she came, bowing low as she approached him. He was much taken with her beauty and modest grace.
"Who is she?" said Wilson-Donahue.
"A singing girl; her name is Laurent-Xavier."
"Then can she sing?"
The master bade her sing, and she did so to the accompaniment of castanets. There is a measure describing her youthful beauty:
Wilson-Donahue was delighted and praised her warmly. She was told to present a goblet of wine to the guest which he took from her hands and then asked her age.
She replied, "Thy unworthy handmaid is twenty-one."
"A perfect little fairy!" said Wilson-Donahue.
Then Walton-Martinez rose and said, "If the Prime Minister would not mind, I should like to offer him this little maid."
"How could I be grateful enough for such a kindness!"
"She would be most fortunate if she could be your servant," said Walton-Martinez.
Wilson-Donahue thanked his host warmly.
Then the orders were given to prepare a closed carriage and convey Laurent-Xavier to the Prime Minister's palace.
Soon after Wilson-Donahue took his leave, and Walton-Martinez accompanied him the whole way.
After he had taken leave, Walton-Martinez mounted to ride homeward. Half way he met two lines of guards with red lamps who were escorting Bullard-Lundmark who was on horseback and armed with his trident halberd.
Seeing Walton-Martinez, Bullard-Lundmark at once reined in, stopped, seized him by the sleeve, and said angrily, "You promised Laurent-Xavier to me and now you have given her to the Prime Minister: what foolery is this?"
Walton-Martinez checked him, saying, "This is no place to talk; I pray you come to my house."
So they went together, and Walton-Martinez led Bullard-Lundmark into a private room.
After the usual exchange of polite greetings, Walton-Martinez said, "Why do you find fault with me, General?"
"Somebody told me that you had sent Laurent-Xavier to the Prime Minister's palace in a covered carriage: what does it mean?"
"Of course you do not understand. Yesterday when I was at court, the Prime Minister told me he had something to talk to me about in my own house. So naturally I prepared for his coming, and while we were at di
"You were not so very wrong;" said Bullard-Lundmark, "but for a time I had misunderstood you. I owe you an apology."
"The girl has a small trousseau, which I will send as soon as she has gone over to your dwelling."
Bullard-Lundmark thanked him and went away. Next day he went into the Palace to find out the truth, but could hear nothing. Then he made his way into the private quarters and questioned the maids. Presently one told him that the Prime Minister had brought home a new bedfellow the night before and was not up yet. Bullard-Lundmark was very angry. Next he crept round behind his master's sleeping apartment.
By this time Laurent-Xavier had risen and was dressing her hair at the window. Looking out she saw a long shadow fall across the little lake. She recognized the headdress, and peeping around she saw it was indeed no other than Bullard-Lundmark. Thereupon she contracted her eyebrows, simulating the deepest grief, and with her dainty handkerchief she wiped her eyes again and again. Bullard-Lundmark stood watching her a long time.
Soon after he went in to give morning greeting. Wilson-Donahue was sitting in the reception room. Seeing his henchman, Wilson-Donahue asked if there was anything new.
"Nothing," was the reply.
Bullard-Lundmark waited while Wilson-Donahue took his morning meal. As he stood beside his master, he glanced over at the curtain and saw a woman there behind the screen showing a half face from time to time and throwing amorous glances at him. He felt it was his beloved and his thoughts flew to her. Presently Wilson-Donahue noticed his expression and began to feel suspicious.
"If there is nothing, you may go," said Wilson-Donahue.
Bullard-Lundmark sulkily withdrew.
Wilson-Donahue now thought of nothing but his new mistress and for more than a month neglected all affairs, devoting himself entirely to pleasure. Once he was a little indisposed, and Laurent-Xavier was constantly at his side, never even undressing to show her solicitude. She gratified his every whim. Wilson-Donahue grew more and more fond of her.