ught the young nobleman was handsomer than any other man."

"That is probably _not_ true!" remarked the latter, smiling pleasantly.

"Yes, it is true!" exclaimed Bissula vehemently. "Don't deny it. She
told me so."

"I wish to hear nothing about it, Bissula--chatterer!" said the
grandmother reproachfully.

The girl bit her lips.

"Pshaw, he knew it; or he believed he knew it, as he believes it of all
girls. And so it must seem to him and his companions that Bissula also
(who, it is true, is neither rich nor beautiful--only Bissula, who is
defiant and tameless), that I, too, instead of going to the marshes
would rather flee to the Holy Mountain--to Adalo! But"--and now her
eyes blazed with an almost menacing light--"you shall never boast of
_that_!"

"But if I command?" warned the old woman.

"Then I'll run off to the swamps alone. Forgive me, dear, dear
grandmother; but Suomar is my guardian, not you. Did he command?
Speak!"

"He only advised," replied Adalo reluctantly.

"Then I am free! Advice may be followed or not. But know this: If you
had lied--"

Adalo's face blanched.

"Insolent girl!" said the grandmother reprovingly.

"Oh, I know--he never lies; but it is not from truthfulness, but pride.
If you had pretended that my guardian had given a command--I would
rather have leaped into the deepest part of the lake than have gone
with you."

"What foolish defiance! He speaks only from anxiety."

"He speaks from arrogance. The vain fellow weaves a wreath composed of
every flower to deck his curly head: Bissula, the red heather-blossom,
must not be wanting."

"The red heather-blossom alone must adorn my life," said the youth
earnestly.

Bissula started: every tinge of color faded from her face, and
trembling violently she clasped her grandmother's arm for support.

The latter, however, with a keenly intent expression, turned her head
toward Adalo. "What words were those you dared to utter?"

"Earnest ones. I am under no man's authority. I am old enough to lead a
wife to my home, strong enough to protect her. Well then, Bissula,
playmate of my childhood, come with me! I will give whatever Suomar
demands. I love you better than any one else can do. Come with me to
the Holy Mountain, that I may protect you there--my betrothed bride!"

CHAPTER VII.

The young girl clung still closer to Waldrun, but the latter started up
in alarm and hastily pressed her hand upon Bi