stand well enough," answered the king, in high good humour
again, now that all seemed to be going well. "And after all, it is the
lady whom you must thank."

"But when shall I see her to do so?"

"Tomorrow, surely; ay, tomorrow early shall you speak with her,"
answered the king quickly. "Now go, and hold your peace. Let me warn you
that there are those about the court who would go any lengths to remove
you from the face of the earth if they knew of this. Tell no man of the
honour that has come to you as yet. Be the porter for a short time
longer, and then you will be the man whom all envy. It is likely that I
must make you a thane, by right of the choice of the princess."

"I know well when to speak and when to keep silence, lord king," said my
brother, and with that he bowed and left the hall.

Then Alsi put his lips to a silver whistle that he carried, and blew a
call that brought Eglaf hurriedly to him from the outer door.

"The guards may go," said the king; "but see that the porter Curan
leaves not the palace until I myself send him forth tomorrow."

The captain saluted and went his way. He had had six men within call of
the king all the time that he spoke with Havelok, and one may make what
one likes of that. At least the threat of the dungeon was no idle one.

Now went Havelok from the hall very heavy and troubled, for beyond the
fair talk of the king lurked surely some plan that was not fair at all.
It was not to be thought that he could not prevent, if he chose, a
foolish marriage of the princess, even did she desire it ever so much.
And my brother could not believe that she had set her heart on one whom
she had but seen once, and then in the midst of faintness. That,
however, might be known easily when he was face to face with her. It was
a thing that could not be made a matter of pretence.

Now when he came back to the great kitchen, which was nigh as big as the
hall, Withelm was yet there, for the priest was at the widow's, and
there was no haste to bring him; and by that time I had come in also,
and was sitting with him at the far end, where none had need to come. It
was Berthun's own end, as one might say, and he was lord in his own
place. Only a few thralls were about, and the cook himself had gone into
the town.

"Here is our brother," I said, "and there is somewhat wrong."

He came moodily up to us, and sat him down, saying nothing, and he
leaned his head on his hands for a while.

"What is