"
He returned to the golden flagons, poured out a full cup of
Burgundy, watched it glow in the sunlight, and lifted it to his
lips.
"To the loveliest lady this side of heaven!" he said for a toast,
but ere he touched his lips to the cup, he lowered it again.
Olivier le Dain had come on to the terrace, and with Olivier there
came a lady.
"By heaven," Villon cried, "my eyes dazzle, for I believe I see
her!"
CHAPTER VI
GARDEN LOVE
On the terrace the fair girl leaned and looked over at the garden
and its golden occupant. To the eyes of Villon her beauty had never
seemed rarer, and the wild passion which had prompted him to spin
his very soul into song burnt with a new, delicious strength of
hope. He stared at her as a worshipper might stare at some sudden
vision of a long dreamed of goddess, and as he stared, Olivier
descended the steps, soft-footed, and came and stood before him.
"My lord, there is a lady there who desires to speak with you."
Villon turned his gaze unwillingly from the gracious apparition
above him to the sombre servitor.
"I desire to speak with her," he said earnestly, and again his eyes
travelled in the direction of the lady.
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