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Rh When the lute proved to be in accord, Maidoch struck the strings with firmer touch, and sang in her rich, sweet young voice, a saga of home yearning:

Thorgills was still standing when Maidoch finished her song and laid aside her lute. The Lady Aastrid came in. “Thou art right welcome!” she said to the scald. Maidoch started and turned around. Thorgills smiled into Aastrid’s gracious face, and he bowed gravely to the young girl.

“How is thy honored father?” he asked; and Maidoch answered sadly that he grew no stronger.

“I would speak to him, if so I might,” Thorgills said; and Maidoch moved to conduct him to the sick chamber.