The Dreamer of Dreams

ing dreams, and deep

a Ma

nter had suddenly lost his wits and refused to finish the picture he had begun on the walls of the ancient hall where all the great banquets were held-a beautiful hall, where

grown, and he had, all unconsciously, become the Court favourite. His every wh

ed down of themselves before the sweetnes

f a summer's evening over a ripe cornfield. In his eyes slumbered the beautiful peace of mountain lakes, and in his heart there lived the sim

seen two eyes, the eyes he needed for the completing of his picture; and without those eyes he never again could touch either col

derful art, and had deigned to go out to where his favourite sat on the cool ma

rush till he had found those eyes which had haunted his dream. His pain and his despair were so evident, that King Wanda felt that no words had force to move the distracted young man. Sadly he departed, and mounted one by one the shallow marble steps which reflected in gl

try and console the young painter with her radiant youth. With a gay laugh Oona rolled her golden ball down the snow-white steps, and it fell with a splash into the water at the young man's feet, making great circles that spread, always widening, over the blue

is face. The smile faded from her soft lips and gave way to a look of wonder and distress. She put both arms round her young friend's neck, and p

recognition. Suddenly little Oona was afraid, and drew back; what had come to her friend? Why was he so

d drawing it out she pulled the red petals off, one by one, letting them drop over his bent head down upon the white marble at his feet. But Eric never looked up; the

e over her; and gathering up her long white skirts she

e, till night came down and blot