'
'Beautiful? Never say that, child; for if it be as you think, it is
the beauty of a devil, and has led who knows how many into the
eternal fire. Had I a hammer here, I would splinter the evil face. I
would not have my boys look at it and think it beautiful.'
A heavy footstep sounded on the terrace. Turning, they saw Osuin, an
armed giant, with flowing locks, and thick, tawny beard.
'Wife, a word with you,' he shouted, beckoning from some twenty
paces away.
They talked together; then the lady returned, a troubled smile on
her face, and said softly to Veranilda:
'Some one wishes to speak with you--some one who comes with the
king's good-will.'
Veranilda looked towards Osuin.
'You cannot mean--?' she faltered.
'No other,' replied Athalfrida, nodding gaily. 'Are you at leisure?
Some other day, perhaps? I will say you would be private--that you
cannot now give audience.'
This pleasantry brought only the faintest smile to the listener's
face.
'Is it hither that he would come?' she asked, again looking
anxiously towards the ruddy giant, who stamped with a beginning of
impatience.
Pages:
522
523
524
525
526
527
528
529
530
531
532
533
534
535
536
537
538
539
540
541
542
543
544
545
546