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aiven hun her contnbution, ** Madam,” said the monk, * Heaven will reward so much charity. 1T bring with me cven now its rccompense. To-morrow, as vou are aware, a poor fcllow, whose guilt s undoubtedly areat, 15 to be hanged within the palace.”
" Alas 7 answered the Queen, 1 pardon him willingly. T would gladly have saved his life.”
“That cannot be,” said the monk @ = but this man, who 1s half a wizard, can make vou a valuable present before he dies. 1 know
that he possesses three wonderful scerets, of
which onc alone is worth a kingdom. Tlc can bequeath one of these scerets to any woman who has had compassion on him.”
“What are these scerets?” inquired the (Jucen.
“With the knowledge of the first, a wile 1s able to make her hushand do ceverything she wishes)” rephied the monk,
O 7 sad the Queen, with a pout, “there 1s nothing very wonderful in o that. Fover since the time ol Iove that mvstery has been known from genceration to genceration. What 1s the second seeret 27
“Ihee second mmparts wisdom and good- ness.”’
WOl said the Queen, yawning, *and what 1s the third 27
“Ihe third,” said the monk, = endows the woman who possesses 1t with matehless beauty, and with the gift of cverlasting youth.”
“ Reverend father,” enied the Queen, cagerly, I should dearly like o know ZZa/ seeret.”
- Nothing is casier,” said the monk., “The
only thing you have to do 1s to allow the sorcerer before he dies, and while he s still at liberty, to hold both your hands in his and to breathe upon your hair three times.”
“ et him come,” said the Queen ; *“feteh him at once, reverend father.”
“T'hat 15 1mpossible,” replied the monk., “The Kimg has given strict orders that this man shall not be allowed to enter the palace. It would mean instant death to him o step within these walls. Do not begrudge him the few hours that still remain.”
- Unfortunately, reverend father, the King
has forbidden me to go out until to-morrow night.”
“That 1s a pity,” said the monk. 1T sco you must give up this wonderful gilt. Never-
theless, 1t would be delightful to remain young, beautiful, and especially to be loved for ever.”
- Alas, my father, vou are right : the Kines
STRANL)
MAGAZINT,
order s extremely unjust. But i T attempted to go out, the sentinels would stop me. You look astonmished ; that 1s the way the KNing treats me occasionally. T am a most miscrable wife,”
“ My heart aches for vou, poor woman,” sud - the monk. “What tyranny ! But Madam, you should not yield to such un- reasonable demands - your duty is to do as vou please.”
“ But how 27 asked the Queen.
“There is a way, if you are willing, Get mto this sack. 1 will undertake to carry you out of the palace, even at the risk of my life. And fifty years henee, when you are still as beautiful and as youthful-looking as to-day, you will rejoice that you defied your tyrant.”
“Lagree,” sand the Queen ; but are you quite sure that this s no hoax ? 7
- Madam,” saud the holy man, raising his
arms and beating his breast, “as surely as 1 am o monk; you have nothing to fear on that Besides, Ioshall remain with you during vour interview with this fellow.”
“And you will bring me back to the palace 27
1 give yvou my word of honour T will
“ Nnowimg the sceret 27 added the Queen.
SCOTC,
“Nes, knowimg the scercet. But sinee vour Majesty hesitates, we will drop the
question @ the sceret may die with him who discovered 1t unless he prefers to tell it to some woman who has more confidence in him.”
The only response the Queen made to this was to Jump bravely mto the bag; the monk drew the cord, lifted the burden on his shoulders, and crossed the courtyard with measured steps. On his way he met the King, who was making his round of inspection.
- You have made a good collection, T see,”
said the King.
“Sire,” rephied the monk, “vour charity is mexhaustible s T fear T have imposed upon it. Perhaps T should do well to leave this sack and its contents here.”
“No, no,” said the King. ake atoall, reverend father it s a good riddance. 1 do not supposc what you have m it 1s worth much. Your feast will not be a sumptuous one.”
“ May your Majesty sup with as vood an appetite,” replicd the monk m a fatherly tone, as he disappeared, muttering something in- audibly. It was probably a Latin prayer.
The supper-bell - rang the King entered the room rubbing his hands. He felt pleased with himself, and the prospect of having his revenge gave him a good appetite.
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