Page 31 - The Green Beaubird

them. The .king, whose eyes were as keen as
a hawk's, looked at them steadily, and
remarked that on their foreheads there was
something like a golden star, and
immediately his heart was filled with strong
passion, and he felt that they might prove to
be his children. He stopped and said to
them: 'Who are you, and from whence do

you come?' And they answered humbly, 'We
are poor strangers who have come to dwell
in this your city.' Then said Ancilotto, 'I am
greatly pleased; and what are you called?'
Whereupon they replied that one was
named Acquirino, and the other Fluvio, and
the sister, Serena. The king then bade them

to dinner with him next day; and the young
people, though they were almost overcome
by his gracious invitation, did not venture to
de cline it. When Ancilotto returned to the
palace he said to his mother: 'Madam, when
I was abroad to-day I came by chance upon
two handsome youths arid a lovely maiden,
who, as they had golden stars on their
foreheads, must be I think the children

promised to me by Queen Chiaretta.'

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