EMILIE!

I ran the dusty road back to the village, my heart bounding with excitement and surprise. I had thought of her so much, yet I always felt it was just another stupid dream to actually believe that I would ever see Emilie again!

I took a shortcut through the stables and blacksmith stalls, and saw her in the square-with her maid. She wore a simple linen dress, her hair pinned up under a cap, and a plain brown riding cloak about her shoulders. And yet she was lovely, so beautiful. I had to tell myself this was no dream. She was here!

I came out from behind the barn and let her see me. I did not know whether to run and sweep Emilie up into the air or just stand there. In all the world, my lady, I finally said, you have no idea what joy this brings me.

`In all the world' isright , Hugh De Luc. She smiled, her eyes twinkling. For it feels as though I have traveled it to find you.

How I ached to wrap her in my arms. I did not know what feelings had brought her here-or even what feelings were my own. So I held back. She was still a noble, and I was there in torn rags and a patched skirt.

I'm sorry for your trouble. I shook my head. But you are a sight for dreaming eyes no matter how far you've come. Buthow... ? How did you find me here?

You said you were from the south. Emilie picked up her satchel and walked up to me. So I merely went to the spot where we found you on the road and continued south. And south. Andsouth even more. Every village we passed, I asked, `Is there a very strange person here who has come from Bor俥, who wears a jester's suit?' I had gone so far south I thought I would hear Spanish, when this nice boy answered, `Yes, ma'am. You must mean Hugh.' I thanked God to hear that word, since we could not drag ourselves one more mile. This is Elena. She waved her attendant forward. She accompanied me on the trip.

Elena. I bowed. I have seen you at Bor俥.

The servant curtsied wearily, clearly deligh............