eye went
from one to another of the merry-makers. "I suppose it would gladden all
of you to feel safe from her hand, but I will plainly tell you that if
harm has happened to her, you will find a lair-bear pleasanter company
than I shall be."

The dull red that mottled her face and neck was a danger signal
whose warning her attendants had learned to heed, and they scattered
precipitately. Only the old cellarer, herding his gorgeous flock with
waving arms, ventured to address her.

"Is it the British woman you are enquiring after, lady? The woman
who comes to the lane-gate, of a morning, to get new milk for your
drinking?"

Elfgiva turned quickly. "Yes,--Teboen my nurse. Have you seen her?" "I
saw her between cockcrowing and dawn, noble one, when I let down the
bars for the cattle to come in to the milking. The herd-boy who drives
them said something to her,--it seemed to me that he named a Danish name
and said that person was waiting in the wood to speak with her,--whereat
she set down her pitcher and went up the lane. I have not seen her
since."

The lady's little white hands beat the air like a frightened child's.
"Three candles have burned out since then; it is certain that evil has
befallen her. Never since I was born has she left me for so long. I--"
She paused to gaze eagerly toward a figure that at this moment appeared
in the low arch of the door-way. "Tata! do you bring me news of her?"

Though she shook her head, Randalin's manner was full of suppressed
excitement as she advanced. "Not of her, lady, yet tidings, great
tidings! The King has sent--"

"His Marshal again? I will not see him."

"Nay, the Marshal but accompanies the messenger. In truth, lady, it is
my belief that the token has accomplished its mission. The message is
brought by Thorkel Jarl, as this has not been done before."

"Earl Thorkel?" Elfgiva cried. "By the Saints, it can be nothing less
than the token!" She dropped down upon the rustic seat that stood
under the green canopy of the old apple tree and sat there a long
time, staring at the grass, her cheeks paling and flushing by turns.
Presently, she drew a deep breath of relief. "I was foolish to fret
myself over Teboen. Since she is clever enough to bring this to pass,
she is clever enough to take care of herself. Without doubt it was the
Danish wizard, and he informed her of some new herb, and she has gone to
fetch it."

After a while, an enchanting smile touched her lips. "Surel