Page:Libussa, Duchess of Bohemia; also, The Man Without a Name.djvu/39

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Libussa.
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and darted a feathered arrow from the humming bow-string, that perforated the heart of the doe, which immediately fell. The young lady, astonished at the unexpected sight, looked about for the unknown sportsman; which the archer perceiving, he stepped forth from the bushes, and bowed humbly before her. Miss Libussa thought she had never seen a handsomer man. She was at first sight so much impressed in his favour, that she could not refuse him her good-will, which is the general prerogative of a good outward appearance. “Tell me, dear stranger,” she cried, “who are you? and what brings you into these precincts?” The young man saw that his lucky star had enabled him to find what he was in search of; he told her modestly his business, nor did he conceal how disgracefully he had been sent away from her sisters’ gates, and how much he was grieved by it. She cheered him by her kind words, and said, “Follow me to my abode; I will consult for you the book of fate, and give you your answer to-morrow at sunrise.”

The youth did as he was told. No clownish fellow here stopped his entrance into the palace, whose beautiful mistress treated him with noble hospitality. He was charmed with his reception, but still more with his hostess. Her enchanting