ing,
as his men called him, until we met the first of the company on
this side of the bridge.

Then was a little confusion, and they stopped, not knowing what
this war-stained troop might betoken. And I saw that no word had
come of the great defeat as yet.

I went forward, calling to Egfrid and the thane his father, and
looking at them so that they should show no fear or give any sign
to the ladies present that all was not well.

"This is Jarl Ingvar himself, and these are his men," I said. "And
the jarl would fain speak with Eadgyth my sister, of whom he has
often heard."

And Egfrid, being very brave, although he must have seen well
enough what this meant, kept his face well, and answered that Jarl
Ingvar was welcome, coming in peace.

"Aye--in peace just now," answered Ingvar, looking at him. "Now, I
will say this, that Wulfric's sister has found a brave husband."

Now Eadgyth heard the jarl's name, and knew naught of the terror
that that name brought to all the land, and least of all that a
battle could have been fought, for we had kept it from her. Nor had
I told her of how nearly he had been to slaying me, for I would not
make Osritha's brothers terrible to her. So she thought of him only
as Lodbrok our friend's son, who had shown me hospitality in his
own hall.

So when Egfrid took her hand and brought her forward, looking as I
thought most beautiful in her bridal array, she smiled on the great
Dane frankly, as in thanks for my sake.

Then Ingvar unhelmed, and spoke to her in courtly wise, even as he
was wont to speak to Osritha.

"When I go back to my own land, lady, I shall have many questions
asked me by one of whom you have doubtless heard, as to how our
friend's sister was arrayed for her wedding. And that I shall not
be able to say--but this I know, that I may tell Osritha that
Wulfric's sister was worthy of Wulfric."

Now Eadgyth noted not the war stains on Ingvar's mail, but it was
strange and terrible to me to see him sitting there and speaking as
though the things of a stricken field were not the last, as it
were, on which he had looked. But Eadgyth's eyes were downcast,
though she was pleased.

"Thanks, Jarl Ingvar," she said; "often have I heard of Osritha.
When you return I would have you thank her for her care of my
brother--and I would thank you also, Jarl, for your care of him."

Now Ingvar reddened a little, but not with anger, for he saw that I
had spoken at least no ill of him