Niall's eyes sought the ground in a crestfallen manner, and he muttered:
"Forgive me, my little lady!"
"I won't forgive you if you act like that any more, Niall!" she declared. "You know how the old chieftains and kings you are always talking about treated their guests. And isn't the lady your guest here in your own cavern, Niall?"
Niall murmured:
"I forgot, I forgot! 'Tis all my poor head. At times I can think only of one thing—that she is taking you away."
"And 'tis you who want me to go for my own good," Winifred said gravely.
Niall turned away with a groan.
"I am willing to go," Winifred went on, "because Father Owen said I should. He knows what is best. He told me it was God sent the lady here."
Niall broke into an uncontrollable fury, which caused even Winifred to step back.
"What care I for Father Owen or the lady?" he exclaimed.