e in a
picturesque part of the dale, where the road passed between two high
precipitous cliffs.

The instant that Ada's eyes fell on Glumm her active brain conceived the
idea of treating him to a disappointment, so she said hurriedly to her
friend:

"Hilda, wilt thou manage to lead Glumm aside and keep talking to him for
a short time, while I speak with Erling? I want to ask him something
about that sword-belt which I am making for Glumm, and which I intend to
send him as the gift of an enemy."

"I will do as ye desire," replied Hilda, with a feeling of
disappointment; "but with what truth canst thou send it, Ada, as an
enemy's gift?"

"Simple Hilda!" said the other, with a laugh, "am I not an enemy to his
peace of mind? But hush! they will overhear us."

It chanced that Hilda was on the same side of the road with Erling, and
Ada on that with Glumm, and both youths observed this fact with secret
satisfaction as they approached and wished the maids "good day"; but
just as they were about to shake hands Ada crossed in front of her
companion, and taking Erling's outstretched hand said:

"Erling, I am glad to meet thee, because I have a knotty point which I
wish thine aid to disentangle. I will turn and walk with thee a short
way, because I know thy business is pressing. It is always so with men,
is it not?"

"I know not," answered Erling, smiling at the girl's arch look, despite
his surprise and chagrin at the unexpected turn affairs had taken, for
he had noted the readiness with which Hilda had turned towards Glumm,
and almost, as he imagined, led him aside purposely! "But it seems to
me, Ada, that, however pressing a man's business may be, woman has the
power to delay it."

"Nay, then, if thine is indeed so pressing just now," said Ada, with a
toss of the head (which Glumm, who walked behind with Hilda, took
particular note of), "I will not presume to--"

"Now, Ada," said Erling, with a light laugh, "thou knowest that it is
merely waste of time to affect indignation. I know thee too well to be
deceived. Come, what is it that ye would consult me about? not the
forging of a battle-axe or spear-head, I warrant me."

"Nay, but a portion of armour scarce less important, though not so
deadly. What say you to a sword-belt?"

"Well, I am somewhat skilled in such gear."

"I am ornamenting one for a friend of thine, Erling, but I will not tell
his name unless I have thy promise not to mention to him anythin