When Elsalill saw that Sir Archie was coming back to her, she
waved her hands as though to prevent him. "Why do you come back,
Sir Archie?" she said. "Why do you not hasten down to the sea as
fast as your feet may carry you?"

For such was her love for Sir Archie. She had indeed betrayed him
for her dear foster sister's sake, but her most fervent wish was
that he might escape.

"No, first will I beg you once more to come with me," said Sir
Archie.

"But you know, Sir Archie, that I cannot come with you," said
Elsalill.

"Why can you not?" said Sir Archie. "You are a poor orphan, so
forlorn and friendless that none will care what becomes of you.
But if you come with me, I will make you a noble lady. I am a
powerful man in my own country. You shall be clad in silk and
gold, and you shall tread a measure at the King's court."

Elsalill was shaking with alarm at his delaying while flight was
still open to him. She could scarce calm herself to answer: "Go
hence, Sir Archie! You must tarry no longer to importune me."
"There is something I would say to you, Elsalill," said Sir
Archie, and his voice became more tender as he spoke. "When first
I saw you, my only thought was of tempting and beguiling you. In
the beginning I promised you riches in jest, but since two nights
ago I have meant honestly by you. And now it is my purpose and