Petersburg High School - Missile Yearbook (Petersburg, VA)

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' THE MISSILE. 11 ney to my sister who lieth ill of the fever. I leave the Lady Marjorie to thy care. Thou’rt a good lad and a brave, and though thou art small methinks I can trust thee. I leave with thee also Geoffry and Old Gasper and Lady Marjorie’s old nurse, Nan. Come, I will show thee a way of escape in case some band of marauders chance this way. In the troubleous times ’tis wise to keep thy eyes and ears open, lad. Come and mind that thou say- est naught of this to anyone save me and the Lady Mar- jorie, if need be.” The little page sprang from the chair and followed his master. They went through richly fur- nished rooms and long dark corridors that Kenneth had never seen before. At length they came to a door barred and locked more securely than the rest. The Duke strove in vain to loose them and said, “ ’Tis long since these bolts have been disturbed. Couldst find thy way back again thinkest thou ? I would have thee bring me oil. These bolts are too much for me.” ‘ Yes, my lord,” ‘Twere well an’ I went alone. Then will it be easier should I be compelled to return in haste with her lady-ship.” “Well said, lad. Haste thee whilst I abide here.” The child turned away and was quickly lost in darkness. “One would think he were ninety instead of nine with his grave face and thoughtful mien,” murmured the Duke. “I do well to leave Marjorie to his care, for though he is himself scarce more than a babe, I feel I may trust him. I will go to the armory and choose a sword, nay, I will let him choose it for himself. Perchance ’twill call forth one of those rare, sweet smiles.” The Duke fell into a a reverie, which was soon broken by the sound of foot- steps.

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io THE MISSILE. blinds. She heard some one address Prince Mazzini, and turning, saw a tall man in military dress standing near the door. He turned, and Margurite closed her eyes. Surely she was not dreaming. She opened them again, and Lorraine was bending over her. “Lorraine — Prince Mazzini,” murmured the girl, “what does it mean ?” “It means, little sweetheart,” whispered the lover, “that Lorraine and the hateful Prince Mazzini are one and the same.” “Lorraine ’ whispered the girl, “I am so happy.” Q. Spooner Dunn, II. A. THE LITTLE PAGE. 4 || enneth,” came sharply from the lips of the Duke. The dark, brocaded curtains parted Vx t ic and a slender, golden-haired lad of nine. clad in dark green velvet, entered. “Be seat ed.” The Duke waved toward a stiff high backed chair. The little page climbed into the chair and fixed his great dark eyes on the Duke. It was a picture any artist would have been glad to paint. The dark red of the chair made a striking background for the golden curls and the green velvet. Great dark eyes gazed out fearlessly from under long curling lashes, and the full red lips gave color to the pale face; and the tall, dark young man contrasted strangely with the boy. “Kenneth,” said the Duke, “to-morrow I go on a jour-

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12 THE MISSILE. “How now, art back again SO soon? In truth thou’rt a trusty messenger, I am well pleased with thee.” The child flushed happily, and together they oiled the bolts and opened the door. They stepped into a room bare with the exception of a cleverly executed portrait at the far end of the room. “ ’Twere well had we brought a candle, but nay, I have not time to wait for one. Come over by the casement. See’st thou this portrait ? Who thinkest thou ’tis likened to ?” ‘“Tis that of the Lady Marjorie, is’t not, my lord?” “Nay, ’tis her grandam. But in truth ’tis like her. Press the nose and thou’lt see a wond(;r come to pass.” A rare smile lit the boy ' s face as he obeyed. The pict- ure slid back, and a beautifully carved door opened, let- ting in a flood of the late afternoon sun. Kenneth rub- bed his eyes in amazement and at a word from the Duke ascended the steps disclosed. At the top was a small porch with crumbling marble steps leading down to a hedged path, “This path leads through the woods. Come, we will go part of the way.” They went to the edge of the for est, and the Duke gave the necessary directions to the boy. Then they returned to the castle, and the Duke presented Kenneth with a sword of his choice. The next day the Duke started on his journey. The days that followed were full of pleasure to Kenneth and his six-year-old charge. They roamed at will through the rooms and picture galleries, gardens and parks. For two weeks all went well; then one dark evening the little girl became weary and went to sleep in her father’s great chair, her dark locks hung over the red