through one of them."

Helga flung up her head with a gallant air. "I will heed your advice in
this matter. I will not trouble myself another moment; and I will love
Brattahlid as a bird loves the cliff that hides it! And Thorhild? What
if her nature is such that she is cross? She is no coward. She would
defend those she loved, though she died for it. I should like to see
Eric bid her to abandon a child. There would not be a red hair left in
his beard. Better is it to be brave and true than to be gentle like your
Lady Bertha. Is it because she is my mother that you give that title to
me also?"

Alwin hesitated and reddened. "Yes. And because I like to remember that
there is English blood in you."

Helga paused in the midst of her excitement, and her face softened. She
looked at him, and her starry eyes were full of frank good-will.

She said slowly, "Since there is English blood in me, it may be that you
will some time ask for the friendship I have offered you."

At that moment, it seemed to Alwin that such simplicity and frankness
were worth more than all the gentle graces of his country-women. He put
out his hand.

"You need not wait long for me to ask that," he said. "I would have
asked it a week ago, but I could not think it honorable to call myself
your friend when I had injured you so."

Helga's slim fingers gave his a firm clasp, but she laughed merrily.