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342 preparing to leave, when Thora broke out again: “Why art thou so foolish fond of thy lord? Did he not leave thee? Aye, and left thee for other men—the stout jarls of Erik’s court—to see thy beauty and to strive to make thee forget him. And so thou shouldst forget him. There is many a powerful jarl hath sworn over his ale to strive for thee; and it is whispered in the gossip of the court that Erik himself hath spoken of the comeliness of Thorgills’ widow.”

“Nay! nay!” cried Maidoch, now thoroughly alarmed. “Hush! thou must not say such words. I am no man’s widow. I am Lord Thorgills’ wife, aye, his wife, though the seas and the mountains divide us. I am not—Oh, no! I am not his widow.”

Thora laughed lightly. Maidoch’s face was flushed and distressed, and her voice was sharp with fear. Thora’s tone became kinder. “I would not grieve thee, child,” she said, “but it puzzles me to see thee so content in Lady Aastrid’s drowsy cloister, when thou mightest be mistress over some noble home in Nidaros. I did know thy lord. He was a goodly appearing man, fair to look upon, and of a right valiant spirit. Once I strove to bring him to our feasting at Rimul.”

Maidoch drew back. Thora laughed again. “Nay, child, thou hast no need to be afraid. Thy lord would not come. He left me and went off with one of the priests of thy own land, he that was killed