ther, Solveig. I
do not remember whether that is to the left or the right of the lane.
But it is a most ingenious hiding-place. No one ever goes there, and
Solveig is the most accomplished of nurses."

"Since you do not remember where it is, I will walk with you, if it is
not against your wish." He shouted some final directions to the men in
the field, then leaped over the fence and strode along beside her.

He appeared to have nothing to say, after they were once started, and
they went through lane and pasture and field in silence. But as soon as
she broke out with fresh praise for his kindness, he found his tongue in
all its curt vigor.

"Enough has been said about that. I have been wishing to speak to you of
something that happened at the feast the other night. Do you know that
my kinswoman Astrid told Gilli of her wish to buy your bondwoman, and--"

For a moment there was something wolfish about Helga's white teeth. She
struck in quickly: "Yes, I know. Gilli agreed to sell Editha to her, the
day we sail. It is exactly what I expected of him. If Astrid should
offer a little more, he would be apt to sell me. He is the
lowest-minded--Bah!" It seemed as though words failed her. She threw her
hands apart in a gesture of utter detestation. The glow was gone out of
her face.

"What I wanted to say is, that if it is your wish, I will persuade my
mother to withdraw her offer."

After a while Helga shook her head. "No. He would only sell her to some
one else. It would trouble me to think of her among strangers, and your
mother would treat her kindly." She paused, at the top of the stile they
were climbing over, to look down at him earnestly. "I should be thankful
if you would promise me that, Egil. You are master now, and can have
your will about everything. Promise me you will see that she is well
treated."

"I promise you." Helga threw a grateful look after him, as he went along
before her. "Your word is like a rock, Egil. One could hold on to it
though everything else should roll away."

The cloud was passing from her face. By the time she gained his side,
the rose-garden was once more radiant in sunlight.

"After all, I do not feel that I have a right to let anything grieve me
much, since God has given Alwin back from the dead. I set my mind to
thinking of that, and then everything else seems small and easily
remedied. Even Gilli's coming it is possible to turn to profit. I have a
fine plan--"

She broke off