ey, led
by its silver bridle, close beside him. But the saddle was empty, and
no bride was among the huntsmen.

"Can it be possible the lady would refuse him,--so handsome and noble
as he looks?" thought Griselda.

How astonished she was when the duke, riding up to the hut, asked for
her father. She was pale with fright, lest their humble presence had
in some way offended the prince; and, all in a tremble, ran in to call
old Janiculo. He came out, as much puzzled and frightened as his
daughter. "Look up, Janiculo," said the duke, graciously. "You have
heard, perhaps, that to-day is my wedding-day. With your good will, I
propose to take to wife your daughter Griselda. Will you give her to
me in marriage?"

If a thunder-bolt had struck the earth at old Janiculo's feet, he could
not have been more stunned. He gazed at the earth, the sky, and into
his lord's face, who had to repeat his question three times, before the
old man could speak.

"I crave your lordship's pardon," he stammered at length. "It is not
for me to give anything to your lordship. All that is in your kingdom
belongs to yourself. And my daughter is only a part of your kingdom."

And when he had said this, he did not know whether he was dreaming or
awake.

Griselda had modestly stayed in-doors; but now they called her out, and
told her she was to be the duke's bride. All amazed, she suffered them
to mount her on the snow-white steed, and lead her beside the duke, to
the royal palace. All along the road the people had gathered, and
shouts rent the air; and at the palace gates the horses' feet sank to
the fetlocks in roses, which had been strewn in their pathway.
Everywhere the people's joy burst bounds, that now their prince had
taken a bride. As for Griselda, she rode along, still clad in her
russet gown, her large eyes looking downward, while slow tears, unseen
by the crowd, ran over her cheeks, caused half by fear and half by
wonder at what had happened. Not once did she look into her lord's
face, till the moment when they reached the palace steps; and leaping
lightly from his horse, Duke Walter took her from the palfrey in his
own royal arms. Then he said, "How say'st thou, Griselda? Wilt be my
true wife, subject to my will, as a dutiful wife should be?"

And looking in his face, she said solemnly, as if it were her marriage
vow, "I will be my lord's faithful servant, obedient in all things."

Then they brought rich robes to put