bride of Heaven. The holy Lanfranc has already sanc-tioned the vow." "William strode hastily up and down the chamber, tying and untying the rich cordon of his cloak in uncontrollable anger and disappointment. Matilda laid her hand soothingly upon his arm. " Aga-tha is fairer than Cicely—Adela hath wit beyond her years, and child as she is, will readily comprehend all thy schemes." " Talk not of Adela, she hath a head for intrigue equal to my brother Odo. Wed her to one who might foster her ambition, and neither crown nor throne would be beyond her aspirations." " Agatha hath a loving heart," pleaded Matilda. "Thou sayest truth Bein Aimie, 'tis by the heart woman rules. Agatha shall be the affianced of Edwin before he leaves these shores." Thus it was settled. The new Queen received the title of the manor of Gloucester, and condemned the owner, her former lover, to perpetual imprisonment. The fair Maude was to dwell in exile a hostage for the fidelity of her father, till a fitting opportunity might occur to make her hand the bond of amity between the Conqueror and some disaffected peer. Other hostages with their various possessions were disposed of in a similar manner, and thus the shades of evening stole into that darkened chamber, and brooded like palpable forms over the sacrifices which the new sov-ereigns covertly laid upon the altar of Avarice and Am-bition. The ceremony of betrothal took place on the following evening. There were guests in embroidered garments and costly jewels, there were lights and music, and more than wonted festivity : yet Maude saw only Edwin, and when taking the hand of the little princess, he pronounced with unhesitating voice, " Thine, and thine only," the color faded from her lip and cheek, as if a mortal woe had fastened on her heart. There were gifts and congratulations, and as Edwin 24 HEROINES OP THE CRUSADES.