nces, who were murderers
and liars, all of them; and that what she desired was one of good birth,
no more, brave, honest, and not a fool. I asked her, too, what she would
have him like to look upon."

"And what did she say to that, Martina?"

"Oh! she said that he must be tall, and under forty, fair-haired and
bearded, since she loved not these shaven effeminates, who look half
woman and half priest; one who had known war, and yet was no ruffler; a
person of open mind, who had learnt and could learn more. Well, now that
I think of it, by all the Saints!--yes, much such a man as _you_ are,
Olaf."

"Then she may find them in plenty," I said, with an uneasy laugh.

"Do you think so? Well, she did not, neither did I. Indeed, she pointed
out that this was her trouble. Among the great of the earth she knew no
such man, and, if she sought lower, then would come jealousies and war."

"Indeed they would. Doubtless you showed her that this was so, Martina."

"Not at all, Olaf. I asked her of what use it was to be an Empress if
she could not please her own heart in this matter of a husband, which is
one important to a woman. I said also, as for such fears, that a secret
marriage might be thought of, which is an honest business that could be
declared when occasion came."

"And what did she answer to that, Martina?"

"She fell into high good humour, called me a faithful and a clever
friend, gave me a handsome jewel, told me that she would have a mission
for me on the morrow--doubtless that which I now fulfil, for I have
heard of no other--said, notwithstanding all the trouble as to the
Augustus and his threats, that she was sure she would sleep better than
she had done for nights, kissed me on both cheeks, and flung herself
upon her knees at her praying-stool, where I left her. But why are you
looking so sad, Olaf?"

"Oh! I know not, save that I find life difficult, and full of pitfalls
which it is hard to escape."

Martina rested her elbows on the table and her chin upon her little
hand, staring me full in the face with her quick eyes that pierced like
nails.

"Olaf," she said, "your star shines bright above you. Keep your eyes
fixed thereon and follow it, and never think about the pitfalls. It may
lead you I know not where."

"To heaven, perhaps," I suggested.

"Well, you did not fear to go thither when you would have eaten the
poisoned fig last night. To heaven, perchance, but by a royal road.
Whatever you may th