concealed from my anxious search. Fear no evil on my be-half, my poor life has double value since thou hast betrayed an interest in my fate." He stooped to kiss the tears from her cheek, and passing a chain with a diamond cross about her neck, left her alone to recover her composure. CHAPTER IV. " Ah me 1 for aught that I could ever read, Could ever hear by tale or history, The course of true love never did run smooth." " A LONG and secret engagement, replete with hope de-ferred, was the fate of Richard the Lion-hearted and the fair flower of Navare." The vexatious wars in which Eleanor of Aquitaine constantly involved her husband and children occupied Richard in combats more dangerous than those of the tourney. The heart of Berengaria was often agitated with fears for his safety. She was also compelled to reject the addresses of numerous suitors, attracted by her beauty and wealth, and she thus subjected herself to the imputation of caprice, and the displeasure of her father, when her thoughts were distracted by rumors that Richard was about to consummate his marriage with Alice. An occasional troubadour who sang the exploits of her gal-lant lover sometimes imparted new life to her dying hopes, and again when a long period elapsed without tidings of any kind, she bitterly reproached herself for permitting him to retain an amulet which she was so well assured would change the current of his affections ; and notwith-standing the general frankness of his character, and the unfeigned earnestness of his manner, which more than his words, had convinced her of his truth ; she was often tor-tured with the suspicion that Richard had only amused himself with the artlessness of a silly girl, and had no in- 218 HEROINES OF THE CRUSADES.