Page:Zodiac stories by Blanche Mary Channing.pdf/214

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Virgo, the Virgin
197

Tell me the rest—tell me how the curse can be taken away; it always ends well, you know, when you find the charm to undo the spell!"

Bertrand looked at her oddly.

"You certainly are very clever," he said slowly. "Yes, you are, Ellie! How did you know that there was any more of the story? The end of it has come true, I think!"

Ellie shook her head.

"The end is not until you get well!" she said firmly; "but why don't you tell me the charm?"

Bertrand looked away from her, out over the beautiful view.

"You guessed right," he said; "there was a charm. The curse would be lifted when a young maiden from a far country should take it away of her own free will. Perhaps you are the maiden, Ellie!"

He tried to laugh, being afraid he might