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208 to join against an honest maid who cannot help being of the blood she is, and cannot help showing what manner of teaching she hath received.”

The priest and the scald were silent. Olaf, nettled at their evident disapproval, said haughtily: “After all the warnings, I am king of Norway, and any maiden I place upon my throne will be worthy of all homage, being my choice.”

Father Reachta gathered up his books and withdrew. As he was leaving the room, Earl Sigvalde, Lady Aastrid, and Earl Gormo entered.

Olaf turned with a feeling of relief to the newcomers.

“Ah! my noble cousin and my thanes, I give ye welcome. Sigvalde, my wisest in council, and thou, my faithful Gormo.” Turning to the latter, he added cordially, “Why hath thy face been so rare a sight in the palace? I would it were seen more often. But, my Jarl, thou dost seem of a heavy mood. Hath aught unwelcome come to thee?”

Earl Gormo answered sadly: “Aye, of a truth, my King. My maiden, my Freda, is ill of some malady we cannot conquer. She is fast fading, and my good wife Helda and I can do naught to save our one sweet blossom. I am even now beseeching the noble Lady Aastrid to bear me company to my home, where Freda so strongly desires her.”

“Aye, Jarl Gormo,”—Olaf’s voice had softened perceptibly,—“I wot the Lady Aastrid will gladly go.