THE STORY OF THE QUEEN OF THE GIPSIES
The King of the Gipsies was sitting on his throne in a shaded nook of the woodland dell. He was old and feeble, and knew that, in a few years, at the most, he would be gathered to sleep with those who had reigned before him.
He summoned a page and commanded him to bid his son, the Heir Apparent, to come before his royal presence. In an instant, the Prince entered the chamber, bowing low.
"Sire, what may be your pleasure?"
He spoke reverently, and with deep filial sympathy, as he beheld his aged and withered royal parent.
"My son, the twilight shadows of life's horizon are closing in upon me, and 'tis but meet that you should prepare to assume the scepter when it falls from my grasp."
"Sadly and sorrowfully do I hear you, Sire," solemnly said the Prince Braveheart, for so he was named.
"Harken unto my voice, oh, my son! We desire that you go forth into the great world and choose the one who is to be your wife and the
