sound bore the significance of an omen, to which I lacked interpreter. The roofs of the village itself, and the marshes, the sea, and the far-off

een strengthened in a doubtful intention by omens that looked my way, and auspicious signs have many a time cheered me astonishingly when affairs have seemed to be going ill. But the most mena

oaking from a willow stump upon my right hand, got up heavily and flew across my path. I misliked the omen, and felt straightway well assured of some approaching rebuff. When, a few moments

senses did so continue to serve me that I went not down into the village, where I knew I should find many a handclasp,

the grasses. I bethought me that it was the dew of the new moon, and therefore endowed with many virtues; and I persua

d shawl wrapped over her head and shoulders. She straightened herself briskly as I came beside her, and I saw the haggard, high-boned, hawk-nosed face of old Mother Pêche, whose tales of wizardry I had often listened

Master Paul, to see thee back

ried past, therefore; and it shames me to say it. But then, remembering that one had better defy any omen than leave a kindnes

face changed. After gazing earnestly into my eyes she muttered something which I could not catch, and to my huge amazement flung the silver behind her with a violence which left no doubt of her intentions. She flun

for a moment, but the old

laimed coaxingly; "and I wouldn't have it. The devil

silver piece was taking superstition

you another silver crown. Faith, this one's not gone yet, after all!" And picking it up I handed it back to her.

thrust aside," slipped the silver into some deep-hidden pocket. But her loving concern for my prosperity was not to be balked. After a

zel-nut, and of a clouded, watery green in color, but the curious quality of it was that as you held it up a moving loop of light seemed to gather at its heart, taking somewhat the semblance of a palely luminous eye. My interest deepened at once, and I bethoug

eat price! I cannot take it. 'Tis a 'Watcher,' is it no

under her red cloak as if to prevent me giving back the ston

will take it with much thanks, mother, but I must pay you what it is worth;

wert a little lad; and because thou'lt need the stone. Promise me thou'lt wear it always about thee;" and plucking it from my hand with a swift insinuation of her lo

in a low, singing voice, "what most

o fear, mother," said I, with

t known love," she

he had spoken came about me-vague,

I will repay you, mother, with"-and here I laughed

it freely, out of a kind heart. But, dearie, thou hast but played at the great love-or more woul

. My face turned anxiously toward De Lamourie's

cried hastily, swinging off through the wet

e at her supper by now; an' in a little

confusion at the sound of that little word "she." It was as

it?" I

he said, grasping it and turning it so

aking like an oracle. Then she dropped my hand with a little dry chuckle, a

mean?" I as

foolery; so I asked no more, but went my way, carrying the word in my heart with a stran