HOW MASTER CONSTANS WENT TO THE NORTH.

        Heard and told by Christopher St. John.

    There lived in the South a rich Merchant whose name was Musciat,
and his son’s name was Constans.

    The father was broad and ruddy-faced. He had great strength and
great Pride. But Constans was weak in body and his Humility was as
though he had been a beggar.

    Now in the town by the sea where Musciat lived there was another
Merchant even richer than Musciat, and this merchant had a daughter called
Jehane. And Musciat said : “I will marry my son Constans to Jehane
⋯then her father’s riches will not shame me.”

    Although Jehane was very fair, Musciat found that Constans was
nowise hot on the wedding, and Musciat said : “This comes of feeding and
clothing poor people, and kissing their feet. ⋯ My son, you shall have no
more of my gold to squander on mesel folk⋯ if you take not Jehane as
your wife.”

    Constans answered nothing for some time. Then, heavy-hearted, he
spoke. “I have sworn faith to a Princess of the North ⋯ and although
Jehane is fairer than a star-bright evening, I will not wed her.”

    “God’s mercy !” said Musciat, mocking him. “And when were you
in the North ?” “I was never there,” said Constans. “But in clear
dream I have seen her ⋯ and she is my fellow ⋯ I am to seek her
⋯ when I am worthy.”

    And Musciat answered in a great rage that Constans should seek her
now. And Musciat drove Constans out.

        (To be continued in the next Number.)