"Of course there was a King Heremon of Ireland," answered the
Professor quite petulantly--as if the Commander had wanted to know
if there had ever been a Julius Caesar or a Napoleon. "And so there
was a Queen Harbundia. Malvina is always spoken of in connection
with her."

"What did she do?" inquired Commander Raffleton. They both of them
seemed to be oblivious of Malvina's presence.

"I forget for the moment," confessed the professor. "I must look it
up. Something, if I remember rightly, in connection with the
daughter of King Dancrat. He founded the Norman dynasty. William
the Conqueror and all that lot. Good Lord!"

"Would you mind her staying with you for a time until I can make
arrangements," suggested Commander Raffleton. "I'd be awfully
obliged if you would."

What the Professor's answer might have been had he been allowed to
exercise such stock of wits as he possessed, it is impossible to
say. Of course he was interested--excited, if you will. Folklore,
legend, tradition; these had been his lifelong hobbies. Apart from
anything else, here at least was a kindred spirit. Seemed to know a
thing or two. Where had she learned it? Might not there be sources
unknown to the Professor?

But to take her in! To establish her in the only spare bedroom. To
introduce her--as what? to English village society. To the new
people at the Manor House. To the member of Parliament with his
innocent young wife who had taken the vicarage for the summer. To