n that be, lord, when Emma of Normandy is to get the
crown of England? A woman ten years older than he, to put the best face
on it! Who can expect me to bear with this insult?" Her scorn went so
far toward reviving her that for the first time she drew herself away
from the support of her women, and even made one of them a sign to
rearrange the locks she had disturbed.

Lest it revive her beyond the point of docility, Sebert spoke the rest
of his message in some haste. "It is true, noble one, that for state
reasons the King has consented to this union with Emma of Normandy, who
will bring him the friendship of Duke Richard besides causing pleasure
to the English. But the crown of Denmark is also at his disposal, lady,
and this he purposes to bestow upon your son Sven, for whom he has much
love. And it is his will and pleasure that you accompany the boy across
the sea and, together with the earls of his guardianship, hold the power
for him until his hands shall be big enough to grasp it alone. For this
he gives you the name of 'queen' and all the honor you shall desire."
He paused, more at the wonder of watching her face than because he had
finished.

It was as though a rainbow had been set in her showery eyes. "He
purposes this?" she murmured; and rose out of her seat in a kind of
ecstasy,--then caught at its back, glooming with doubt. "I cannot
believe it,--it is too beautiful. Swear that you are not mocking me."

"I swear it," he said gravely, but his lips curled a little as he
watched her delight bring back her color, her smiles, her every fairy
charm.

Throwing her arms about Dearwyn, who chanced to be nearest, she kissed
her repeatedly. "Think, mouse,--a queen! a queen! It was not for naught
that I dreamed an eagle flew over my head. Ah, how I shall cherish the
dear little one who has brought me this!" With her pleasure overflowing
as of old in rippling laughter, she turned to greet the King's
foster-father who came stalking toward her. "Now your ill humor no
longer appears strange to me, noble wolf, than which no better proof
could be had that I have come into good fortune! I pray you tell me when
I am to leave, and who goes with me, and every word of the plan, for I
could eat them like sweets."

"Ulf Jarl will feed your ears later," Thorkel said gruffly. "Your safety
on the road is the charge of this battle-sapling." He jerked his
head toward the young Marshal. "You will leave for Northampton this
afternoon,